‘Serious lapse’: Haryana panel slams HSVP for e-auctioning plots without development works | Chandigarh News

Chandigarh: The Haryana Right to Service Commission has observed that e-auctioning of plots by the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) without completing development works at the site was a “serious administrative lapse”. The commission stated that before placing any plot for e-auction, necessary development works in the area concerned must be completed, so that allottees could start construction on time.A spokesperson for the commission said on Friday that the matter related to a plot purchased through e-auction in Sector 76/77 of Faridabad. The allottee, Keshav Sharma, filed a complaint before the commission, stating that despite incomplete development works, he was sent an offer of possession. In its order, the commission observed that it was clear HSVP conducted the e-auction of the plot without completing development works and later issued an offer of possession, which was not in accordance with procedure.

The commission also found that according to the terms of the allotment letter, if possession was not given within 30 days of receiving the application, HSVP was required to pay interest to the allottee. However, in several cases in Faridabad, this interest was not paid. Only after the intervention and directions of the commission did HSVP start paying interest in such cases.During the hearing, the commission also stated that the role of the then estate officer and HSVP’s e-auction cell should be examined, as approval for auction was granted without clearly indicating the status of development works. The commission noted that on Aug 12, 2022, the then chief administrator of HSVP directed officials to complete development works within two months, yet the problem persisted for long, indicating negligence.In its order, the commission also referred to another case in which the Punjab and Haryana high court made strong remarks about the functioning of HSVP, stating that it was established on the principle of “no profit, no loss” with the objective of providing affordable housing, but its conduct in several cases appeared profit-oriented, which went against the interests of middle- and lower-income groups.In this case, the commission exercised its powers under the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, and directed that the complainant, Keshav Sharma, be paid compensation of Rs 5,000. This amount will be paid by HSVP within 15 days, and a compliance report must be submitted to the commission by March 24. The commission also stated that initially the amount may be paid from HSVP’s funds and later recovered from the responsible officials.The commission clarified that if any negligence is found regarding withdrawal of the possession date, refund of extension fees collected, or payment of interest on delayed possession, strict action will be taken against the officials under Haryana Right to Service Act.The commission also advised HSVP to review its policy regarding payment of interest in cases where plots are purchased through e-auction. At present, such allottees receive only 5.5% annual simple interest, whereas allottees who obtain plots through draw of lots receive 9% interest after three years. The commission called for balance and fairness.