Consultation drive on housing panel proposed……..Surendra Gangan
The state government is all set to introduce a consultation drive inviting suggestions and objections on the formation of the controversial housing regulatory commission, within the next 15 days. The commission was mentioned as being part of the housing policy announced by the state government in October 2006.
‘The proposal has been sent to the law and judiciary department for approval. Once we receive a positive response, we will go ahead with the consultation drive inviting suggestions and objections from the stakeholders at various levels,’ said an official from the housing department.
Though the implementation of the housing policy is underway, many experts are of the view that the introduction of the commission is due to the builder’s lobby pressure on the government. ‘The formation of the commission figures high on the government’s agenda despite the pressure,’ the official added. After getting feedback from various stakeholders, the bill is scheduled to be introduced in the state legislature either during the winter session in December, or during the budget session in March next year. Prior to that, the state is also required to take permission from the Centre for an amendment in the existing act.
Some experts say that the commission will operate as a parallel body to the Centre’s soon-to-be-introduced Competition Commission of India (CCI). However, a source told DNA that chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh is keen on the formation of the commission as it a major announcement made in the people’s interest.