LICENSES TO BE ISSUED WITHIN 60 DAYS OF APPLICATION RECEIPT: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN
DISCIPLINARY ACTION TO FOLLOW FOR DELAYS BEYOND FIXED TIMELINE: H&UD MINISTER
Chandigarh, November 3:
Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has taken a key decision aimed at boosting the real estate sector by formulating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for issuing licenses to develop colonies.
Sharing further details, S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said the Housing and Urban Development department has prepared the SOP to streamline the process of granting licenses for developing colonies in areas under its jurisdiction. The process has been divided into two stages i.e. issuance of the Letter of Intent (within 30 days) and issuance of the License (within 30 days), fixing the total time limit at 60 days from the date of application submission by the applicant to the concerned development authority.
The Cabinet Minister pointed out that earlier, the licensing process for promoters was lengthy and complicated, often resulting in unnecessary delays by various development authorities working under the department. To address this concern, the department has now prepared a clear SOP, ensuring that in future, licenses will be granted within 60 days from the date of application submission.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the entire procedure has now been made time-bound under the new SOP. Specific timelines have been fixed for each branch handling the case such as Planning, Accounts and Licensing, as well as for various departments including PPCB, PSPCL, Forest, Drainage, NHAI and PWD. Every official is required to adhere to these prescribed timelines and any unwarranted delay will invite disciplinary action against the concerned employee.
He further said that the Mann Government has already taken several initiatives keeping in view the vital contribution of the real estate sector to the State’s economy and its potential in generating employment opportunities. Simplifying the licensing process will not only reduce the inconvenience faced by promoters but will also give a fresh impetus to Punjab’s real estate growth, he added.
