Plot allotment scam: High court fines HUDA

Gurugram: In a major blow to Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), the Punjab and Haryana High Court has levied a fine of Rs 10,000 for failing to take appropriate action on a corruption case that has dragged on for thirteen years. The court also directed the Haryana vigilance department to investigate the facts in the case.

In a case filed by from Sonepat, the petitioner Ravinder Kumar alleged that in a draw held in 2005, he got a 300 square yard plot in Sector 52. He, however, alleged that on his name, someone else was given that residential plot. The complainant alleged despite bringing the matter to the notice of HUDA officials, no action was initiated, which finally led him fight his case legally.

Various incidents of corruption reported in the process of residential plot allotment have denied the allottees their dream home in Gurugram.

The issue of multiple plot allotment scam has still not been resolved and is being heard in the Punjab and Haryana high court.

Now, a new issue of irregularities in EWS plot allotment has emerged. Under this, the land was to be allotted at Rs 500 per square yard in areas of Sushant Lok -2 and 3 to those who were earning Rs 3,500 per month.

However, as per complaints, the land has not been given to the allotees. The case is now being heard in the Gurugram sessions court which recently summoned officials of Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and Department of Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) and sought an explanation.

This case follows the multiple land allotment scams that resulted in the loss of credibility of HUDA and also impacted the integrity of many public and defence personnel.

Through the RTI, it was revealed that various public officials who were designated to receive one residential plot were given two or more than three plots. The investigations into the case revealed that there were as many 44 HUDA officials who were involved in the scam.

Taking cognisance of the opaqueness in the land allotment process that often results in corruption, the Haryana government has made all the processes of HUDA digital. "No doubt in the past there have been certain practices by our officials that has impacted the credibility of our organisation.

Steps, however, are being taken to make the process more transparent. Our services has been made digital and there is also been a time frame in which we have to deliver our services," said a senior HUDA official.