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Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Ludhiana (MC) are anticipating the introduction of a one-time settlement (OTS) policy to regularize illegal buildings within the city, similar to the policy already implemented in areas falling outside the municipal corporation's limits within the jurisdiction of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA). This move is expected to occur in light of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, which has sparked a debate within the city.
City activists have expressed concerns, accusing the government of condoning violators by considering such a policy. They argue that providing an OTS policy sends the wrong message and discourages law-abiding citizens while motivating violators and the building mafia to continue breaking the law.
An MC official mentioned that if the policy is enacted soon, it could result in the regularization of many illegal structures. He also noted that there is currently no precise count of these buildings within the city since no comprehensive survey has been conducted. Building inspectors have been tasked with compiling lists of illegal structures within their respective areas to create a database.
The original one-time settlement scheme was initially introduced in March 2019 and was exclusively aimed at regularizing structures constructed on or before June 30, 2018. The policy included a composition fee of Rs 300 per square foot for the total non-compoundable area on all floors of residential buildings and Rs 1,000 per square foot for commercial structures. Residents were given a three-month window to apply and were required to make necessary fire safety, structural safety, and parking arrangements within two months from the date of submission. However, the policy did not attract many participants, and it faced legal challenges in the Punjab and Haryana high court.
In subsequent attempts to implement an OTS policy for illegal buildings in 2021-22, legal issues prevented its execution.
Residents have criticized the state government for promoting violators through such policies, rather than taking strict action against local authorities for not preventing illegal constructions. He argued that these policies send the wrong message and discourage law-abiding citizens.
Municipal Commissioner Sandeep Rishi reassured the public that the one-time settlement policy for illegal buildings within the municipal corporation's jurisdiction is in the final stages of clearance and will be notified shortly.
In response to complaints regarding MC building branch officials breaking seals on buildings under political pressure, the MC commissioner has issued orders that, henceforth, his approval will be required before unsealing any such building.
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