LIT revokes allotment of land given to two welfare societies

After much delay, the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) has finally cancelled the allotment of two community centres in H-I blocks and C block of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar. The action came after the welfare societies, maintaining these centres, failed to fulfil the requirements.

The community centres were constructed without approval of maps and in violation of conditions of allotment letters issued by the LIT.

In November 2013, Baljeet Singh, a resident of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, had accused the Welfare Society H-I, BRS Nagar, Ludhiana, of failing to pay the pending amount for allotment of the community centre.

He obtained information under the RTI Act that the Welfare Society H-I had been allotted a land measuring 2,000 square yards at `51 per square yard in 1985. But, 28 years later, the society was yet to pay the complete amount of allotment.

Besides a report of the engineering branch revealed that around 30 rooms and a hall was constructed at the community centre of H-I block without any approval for the building plan. The drawing branch had also stated that the file of the building was never approved. Also, no house tax and sewerage charges were paid and no change of land use approval was taken by the society.

The LIT had directed the society members to provide evidences of sewerage and water supply bills, but they failed to do so.

In November 2013, local bodies department’s chief vigilance officer VP Singh visited the community centre to inquire into its details, and also ordered strict action against the guilty LIT officials for missing records and files.

Later, a senior BJP leader had approached local bodies minister Anil Joshi regarding settlement of dues in favour of the welfare society, but in vain.

Besides, the Welfare Society of C block of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar has also failed to pay pending amount against the allotment of 1,731 square yards land allotted at `65 per square yard in 1986. The society concerned also violated the terms and conditions of allotment.

It is also pertinent to mention here that residents have been for long opposing marriage functions at these community centres as there are no parking arrangements, while loud music during such events create nuisance for locals.

Jeevan Bansal, executive officer of LIT, said, “The allotment of both the community centres has been cancelled. LIT has decided to seize the amount submitted for allotment of both the centres.”

“We have given directions to the welfare societies to vacate the land. If they don’t follow the order, required action will be taken as per law,” he added.