Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that the state government is preparing a comprehensive policy aimed at resolving the long-standing problems faced by thousands of residents who have invested in unauthorized colonies across Punjab.
The proposed policy is expected to provide relief to genuine property buyers who, despite investing their life savings, have found themselves trapped in legal and infrastructural complications due to the actions of unauthorized developers.
During an interaction with residents of such colonies, the Chief Minister acknowledged the hardships being faced by affected families, many of whom purchased plots in good faith only to later discover that basic legal formalities and civic amenities were unavailable.
He noted that numerous homebuyers across the state have been unable to complete property registrations, transfer ownership, or access essential services such as electricity, water supply and sewerage connections. According to him, these residents became victims of circumstances created by unauthorized colonizers and should not be made to suffer for mistakes they did not commit.
The Chief Minister drew a distinction between innocent buyers and developers who allegedly established colonies without securing the required approvals from competent authorities. He said many colonizers attracted customers through aggressive marketing, attractive promotional material and assurances regarding future development, while failing to disclose the legal limitations associated with the projects.
Mann stated that after selling the plots and earning profits, several developers left residents to deal with the consequences, including a lack of infrastructure and legal uncertainties regarding their properties.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting ordinary citizens, the Chief Minister said the state would ensure that genuine buyers receive appropriate relief through a transparent and uniform policy framework. At the same time, he made it clear that strict action would be pursued against those responsible for establishing unauthorized colonies and misleading the public.
He emphasized that the proposed policy would not be limited to specific urban centres but would be implemented across Punjab, ensuring equal treatment for affected residents irrespective of their location.
The Chief Minister also announced that a dedicated meeting with senior government officials would be convened shortly to examine the concerns, suggestions and recommendations received from residents. The meeting will also review the legal, administrative and financial issues linked to unauthorized colonies in order to formulate a practical and long-term solution.
Officials are expected to assess various aspects of regularization, infrastructure development and citizen relief measures before finalizing the policy.
Mann further urged citizens to exercise caution while purchasing property and advised prospective buyers to thoroughly verify the legal status of real estate projects before making investments. He stressed the importance of ensuring that projects have received approvals from competent planning and development authorities before any transaction is completed.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to public welfare, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government remains determined to safeguard the interests of law-abiding citizens and ensure that those who invested their hard-earned savings in good faith receive justice and relief through a fair and effective policy mechanism.
