Chandigarh Housing Board’s Sector 53 Scheme Draws 6,300 Applicants in Latest Demand Survey
The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) has seen an unexpected rise in interest for its Sector 53 self-financing housing scheme, gathering 6,300 applications during its recent online demand survey. This marks a significant change from earlier attempts, showing renewed faith in the project that has faced delays since its first proposal in 2018.
Scheme Overview
The Sector 53 scheme provides 372 units in three categories:
- 192 HIG (Higher Income Group) flats: 1,582 sq ft, priced at ₹1.65 crore (excluding GST) with an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of ₹3 lakh
- 100 MIG (Middle Income Group) flats: 1,334 sq ft, priced at ₹1.40 crore (excluding GST), needing an EMD of ₹2 lakh
- 80 EWS (Economically Weaker Section) flats: 484 sq ft, priced at ₹55 lakh (excluding GST) with an EMD of ₹1 lakh
The flats come with amenities like multiple balconies, dedicated parking spaces, and modular kitchen setups, customized to each category’s needs. Notably, no one-bedroom units are included in this scheme, marking a strategic shift from earlier plans.
Historical Context
This demand survey follows a troubled past for the project. When first proposed in 2018, the scheme attracted only 178 applications for 492 units due to high prices (e.g., ₹1.8 crore for HIG flats). A revival attempt in 2023 was abruptly halted by the then UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, leading to the cancellation of ₹200 crore construction tenders. The current demand survey, therefore, acts as a crucial test for the scheme’s viability.
Eligibility Criteria
Prospective applicants must meet key requirements:
- No existing residential property in Chandigarh, Panchkula, or Mohali (including spouse or children’s names)
- 12.5% reservation for reserved categories such as SC/ST, Persons with Disabilities, and defense personnel
- mohlacing applications restricted to Chandigarh residents or those employed locally
Financial and Procedural Considerations
- EMD forfeit: Applicants who withdraw post-scheme launch will lose their deposits completely
- Non-binding participation: The demand survey results will guide CHB’s decision to officially launch the scheme, pending approvals
- GST applicability: Prices exclude GST, which will be calculated at the final allotment stage
Next Steps
The CHB will now analyze the survey results to gauge genuine demand. A failure to meet expectations could lead to postponement or cancellation, as per the board’s guidelines. Successful applicants will get a revert or update through email or post.
This renewed interest highlights Chandigarh’s enduring appeal as a residential destination, despite the project’s turbulent history. The next phase will determine whether the Sector 53 scheme can finally break ground, offering much-needed housing solutions for aspiring homeowners.