Chandigarh, July 3: The Punjab Government has introduced an administrative amendment to assist residents living in unauthorized colonies by easing long-standing property regulations. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Council of Ministers approved changes to the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Rules. The updated guidelines allow Resident Welfare Associations and developers to apply for official regularisation, provided the colony meets a basic construction threshold of 25 per cent.
This decision effectively removes previous legal logjams for diverse housing pockets, including those situated on agricultural land earmarked under Master Plans and local planning zones. Areas under the GMADA Regional Plan, however, remain excluded from these specific provisions. To ensure a smooth transition, the government has mandated that competent authorities must fully resolve all newly received applications within a six-month period.
Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared that the administration is committed to giving previously sidelined communities a fair chance. “The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Cabinet has decided to regularise unauthorised colonies where at least 25 per cent of the plots have already been built upon,” he maintained. The Minister asserted that the revised approach ensures older, previously rejected applications are given a fresh, unbiased review.
The revised rules also clarify legal liabilities and oversight responsibilities for local developments. When local Resident Welfare Associations spearhead the application process, standard RERA provisions will not apply, though the association or promoter remains responsible for completing pending civic infrastructure works. Individual plot holders will gain the right to formally register their land parcels and pursue standard architectural approvals as soon as the initial fees are deposited and provisional certification is completed.
