Reaffirming the Punjab government‘s commitment to planned urban development and world-class public facilities under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardip Singh Mundian directed officials to establish new urban estates across various cities in the state.
While reviewing the progress of development authorities and the Department of Town and Country Planning at PUDA Bhavan, Mohali, Minister Hardeep urged officials to work with dedication and integrity. He emphasized the need to develop urban estates not only in major cities but also in smaller towns, ensuring land acquisition as required. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing and prevent people from purchasing property in unauthorized colonies.
Minister Hardeep highlighted the government’s goal of delivering timely and corruption-free services. He warned officials against negligence, stressing that all employees, from junior to senior levels, must fulfill their duties with responsibility and honesty.
During the review of properties managed by development authorities, Minister Hardeep instructed officials to initiate e-auctions for properties starting next week, allowing people to acquire land for housing and business needs. He emphasized that the auction process should be transparent and fair. Additionally, he addressed defaulted projects, directing officials to take strict action against defaulters.
The Minister also reviewed master plans and local planning areas designated for urban development across the state.
Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, Vikas Garg, instructed officials to implement government policies aimed at minimizing public inconvenience. He urged them to transition all remaining offline services to digital platforms, complementing the department’s existing online services.
The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Apneet Riyat, PUDA CA and Director of Town and Country Planning Neeru Katial Gupta, GAMADA CA Vishesh Sarangal, GLADA CA Sandeep Kumar, PDA-cum-BDA CA Manisha Rana, JDA-cum-ADA CA Nitesh Kumar Jain, along with other senior development authority officials.