Punjab Cabinet approves EWS Housing Policy for Optimal Land Use

The Punjab cabinet has approved a policy for the optimum utilization of land reserved for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to provide housing for this section of society.

Under this scheme, scattered land pockets in various housing colonies will be sold, and the funds generated will be used to acquire 1,500 acres of land in different cities for EWS housing.

State development authorities will auction these scattered land pockets to generate revenue, which will then be utilized to provide either plots or houses for EWS on separate, designated land.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized previous governments, stating that while developers were required to allocate 5% of their project area for EWS housing, no plots were allotted since 1995 under the Akali and Congress regimes. He noted that over 700 acres of scattered land in various housing colonies remain undeveloped.

The government plans to sell this land in the open market, using the proceeds to purchase 1,500 acres in key cities. He called it a historic decision by the AAP government, ensuring proper development of EWS housing.

Additionally, the cabinet has approved a policy for utilizing External Development Charges (EDC) collected from developers under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (PAPRA) Act, 1995. Under this policy:

50% of the EDC collected from promoters will be used for developing infrastructure within the colony or township.

The remaining 50% will be allocated by the government for major infrastructure projects across the state.

This move aims to streamline urban planning, ensure effective use of reserved land, and improve housing accessibility for economically weaker sections.