In a significant move aimed at resolving long-standing issues related to Lal Dora properties in urban areas, the government of Haryana has launched a comprehensive registry initiative. Under the Chief Minister Urban Body Ownership Scheme, both property owners and long-term tenants are set to benefit, as announced by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini who will distribute property certificates and registries to beneficiaries during a state-level event scheduled for Thursday, July 12, at Manesar in Gurugram.
The Chief Minister Urban Body Ownership Scheme was established in 2021 by the Urban Local Bodies Department of Haryana. Urban bodies with shops or houses under their jurisdiction that have been occupied for 20 years or more by December 31, 2021, qualify for ownership rights under this scheme. It is estimated that around 25,000 individuals will benefit from this initiative, generating approximately Rs 1,000 crore revenue for the Haryana government.
Historically, Lal Dora delineations were established during British rule in 1908, marking areas outside formal settlements for agricultural purposes. These lands have been exempt from regular building bylaws and municipal regulations, but their owners often faced challenges in proving ownership, hindering property transactions and access to financial services.
To address these issues, the state government first implemented measures to free villages from Lal Dora restrictions, enabling occupants to obtain property rights. Now, under the new urban-focused scheme, tenants who have leased or rented commercial properties from urban bodies for 20 years or more can apply for ownership. The scheme allows them to acquire property by paying a nominal fee ranging from 20 to 50 percent of the collector rate, depending on the duration of their occupancy.
The initiative, facilitated through the Svamitva Scheme, aims to streamline property ownership rights and boost economic activities within Lal Dora areas. A state-level function scheduled in Gurugram will see CM Nayab Saini distribute property certificates and registries to beneficiaries, marking a pivotal moment for urban development in Haryana.
Online Application Process
Recently, the government announced that tenants and leaseholders who have completed 20 years under the Chief Minister’s Urban Body Ownership Scheme will have an additional opportunity to submit their claims. To participate in this scheme, applicants can utilise the government’s dedicated portal at www.ulb.shops.ulbharyana.gov.in. This portal allows individuals to apply online for ownership of shops or other commercial properties. It’s important to note that the portal is not open for applications indefinitely; specific periods are designated for submission. During the initial phase, 7,000 applications were received. The portal at www.ulb.shops.ulbharyana.gov.in will soon reopen for 15 days to accommodate new applications.
Required Documents
Applicants seeking ownership under the Chief Minister’s Urban Body Ownership Scheme must provide the following documents:
1. A self-certified letter detailing the duration of their occupancy of the property.
2. Upload of the site plan.
3. Any one of the following documents to substantiate possession:
– Electricity or water connection bill
– Sub-tenancy agreement letter
– Rent receipt
– Fire NOC
These documents are essential to verify and support the applicant’s claim for ownership under the scheme.
Affordable Property Registration
The registration fee is based on the duration of occupancy, offering discounts ranging from 50-80% off the area’s collector rate. For instance, a tenant who has occupied a shop for 20 years can obtain ownership by paying 80% of the collector rate. Similarly, those who have occupied land for 25 years would pay 75%, 70% for 30 years, 65% for 35 years, and 60% for 40 years. Tenants occupying leased or rented property for 50 years can become owners by paying just 50% of the collector rate.
The scheme not only promises to emancipate Lal Dora properties from bureaucratic constraints but also anticipates substantial revenue generation for the state, estimated to be around one thousand crore rupees from an expected 25,000 beneficiaries.