Punjab Passes PAPRA Amendment Bill to Regulate Property and Tackle Illegal Colonies

By A Staff Reporter

Chandigarh: Punjab Minister Aman Arora has announced that the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA) 2024 was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly today. The amendment bill is designed to address the issue of illegal colonies and encourage the development of legal residential areas.

Minister Arora explained that the primary goal of the PAPRA Amendment Act is to discourage illegal property settlements while promoting legal ones. "When we formed the government in 2022, even the High Court suggested that if the PAPRA rules were not enforced, it might be better to dissolve the act," he stated.

Under the new amendment, individuals who purchased property of up to 500 square yards in illegal colonies before July 31 and possess proof of payment or a power of attorney will be exempt from the requirement for a No Objection Certificate (NOC). These individuals will have until November 2 to register their properties. This provision aims to benefit lakhs of plot holders affected by the changes.

Additionally, the amendment introduces harsher penalties for violations to deter illegal settlements. The fines for unauthorized development have been increased from Rs 2-7 lakh to Rs 25 lakh-1 crore, reflecting the government's commitment to enforcing property regulations more strictly.

The PAPRA Amendment Act 2024 is expected to significantly impact property management and development practices in Punjab, streamlining the process and enhancing regulatory compliance.