Chandigarh Housing Board Allottees Cry Harassment Over Rule Tweaks and Lax Services
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has long been responsible for providing affordable housing solutions in the city, but recent developments have left many allottees feeling harassed and frustrated. A combination of rule changes and inefficient service delivery has resulted in widespread dissatisfaction, with residents struggling to navigate shifting policies and inconsistent administrative procedures.
The CHB’s decision to tweak building regulations retrospectively has sparked outrage among homeowners. Previously, need-based changes were permitted under the housing board’s policies, allowing allottees to make modifications to their homes. However, new amendments have now classified many of these modifications as violations, putting residents at risk of penalties or forced demolitions.
Many homeowners argue that these changes are unjust, as their modifications were legal at the time they were made. The lack of a clear, documented process acknowledging prior approvals has further fueled the confusion, leaving allottees unsure of their legal standing. The retroactive enforcement of these new rules is not just a bureaucratic inconvenience—it is a direct financial and emotional burden on the residents.
Aside from rule tweaks, CHB’s service delivery has also come under scrutiny. Residents report facing long delays in obtaining approvals and clearances, with complaints often being ignored or addressed with excessive red tape. Even minor documentation requests can take months to process, leaving allottees frustrated and helpless.
Some allottees have even claimed to receive notices based on anonymous complaints, often without thorough verification. This has led to concerns that some CHB officials are unfairly targeting homeowners rather than offering them solutions. Many feel they are being penalized for regulations they did not knowingly violate, further intensifying their grievances against the housing board.
Recently, CHB’s Board of Directors announced that a policy for regularizing need-based changes was not feasible. This decision has dashed the hopes of thousands of homeowners who were expecting some form of leniency. While minor modifications may still be permitted, they require prior approval from the Department of Urban Planning, adding another bureaucratic hurdle to an already complex process.
This lack of a clear regularization policy has left many residents in limbo. Without a well-defined framework, homeowners cannot confidently invest in their properties, fearing sudden rule changes or penalties. The uncertainty surrounding this issue is a major source of anxiety for Chandigarh’s CHB allottees.
The ongoing turmoil surrounding CHB highlights the urgent need for a transparent and fair approach to housing regulations. A few steps that could significantly improve the situation include:
Grandfathering of Previously Approved Modifications – If a change was permitted under previous policies, it should not be penalized under new rules.
Clear and Accessible Guidelines – Homeowners should have access to well-documented policies that outline permissible modifications in a straightforward manner.
Streamlined Service Delivery – CHB should modernize its processes to reduce delays and improve efficiency in handling approvals and grievances.
Independent Review Mechanism – There should be a mechanism in place for allottees to challenge notices or penalties issued unfairly.
The Chandigarh Housing Board plays a crucial role in shaping the city's housing landscape. However, arbitrary rule changes and inefficient service delivery are eroding trust among allottees. For a truly progressive and resident-friendly system, the CHB must prioritize transparency, fairness, and efficiency in its policies and administration.
Residents and policymakers must engage in open discussions to find practical solutions that balance regulation with the genuine needs of homeowners. Only then can Chandigarh’s housing sector move towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
Give your Comments