Punjab passes Bill to register plots in illegal colonies sans NOC

Chandigarh: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Bill, paving the way for getting properties spanning up to 500 yards registered in the illegal colonies without an NOC.

The Bill was tabled by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who said all those who have either purchased plots before July 31, or those who have paid the initial money and can prove that the sale is legal, would benefit from the move.

“All such transactions of plots will be considered as legal transactions, and all civic amenities will be provided to such plot holders,” Mann informed the House. There are nearly 14,000 illegal colonies in Punjab and thousands of plot holders in such colonies will now stand to benefit.

“Giving a big relief to crores of people, the condition of NOC at the time of registration of plots has been abolished... Along with this, the penalty and punishment against mafias developing illegal colonies has been made more stringent,” the Chief Minister said.