Regularisation scheme extended by 6 more months

As per a government order that was notified in the State government gazette this month, the deadline has been extended for six more months thus increasing the total scheme period to three years. The amnesty scheme was about to be closed on December 21.

With the latest extension, the scheme would end on June 21, 2020. The Housing and Urban Development department had rolled out the regularisation scheme on June 22, 2017, by making an amendment in Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971.

According to an official in the Housing department, there are nearly five lakh buildings in the State that were constructed in violation of building rules and plan. Of this, nearly 1.5 lakh buildings are located in the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). As per the scheme, buildings constructed before July 1, 2007, are covered under the scheme.

“The scheme, which is also known as the 113-C scheme, has been receiving a poor response from the building owners due to legal issues. Even though we are allowed to receive applications, we could not process the applications,” the official said.

As per the scheme, buildings owners would be allowed to rectify violations to avoid lock-and-seal action by the government. However, the residents ought to pay regularisation charges based on the size, guideline value and location of the buildings.

Several property owners opted to stay away from the scheme due to higher charges. Following this, the government had already relaxed some conditions exempting rates for floor space index violations.