FICO Demands Immediate Restoration of Property Registries in Ludhiana MC Limits
The Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisation (FICO) has urged the Punjab government to act swiftly. They want the property registries within the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) limits to be reopened immediately. The existing rules require buyers and sellers to obtain no-objection certificates (NOCs) from several authorities. This creates significant challenges.
Why the Process Feels Like a Maze
FICO leaders, including president Gurmeet Singh Kular and general secretary Manjinder Singh Sachdeva, recently met with Punjab's chief minister. They highlighted several major issues:
- Streets and areas under MC control still need NOCs from the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), Improvement Trust, and the MC itself.
- These additional requirements make the registration process slow and expensive.
- Officials occasionally ask for unauthorised fees, causing harassment.
Kular emphasised that both the MC and town planning already manage these zones. Extra NOCs provide no real benefit but bring considerable trouble. Property owners face delays, and businesses lose valuable time.
A Simple Fix Proposed by FICO
The group suggests a straightforward solution to resolve this issue:
- Reopen the registries without delay.
- Move development or layout charges to the building map approval stage.
- Disconnect these fees from the registration process.
This adjustment would accelerate transactions. The government can still collect fees afterwards. There won’t be any revenue loss, just a smoother process for everyone involved. FICO believes this also reduces harassment and improves transparency. The ease of doing business will increase.
They also highlighted issues in industrial zones. The same NOC requirements burden factories and shops in those areas.
Bigger Picture for Ludhiana Real Estate
Ludhiana remains a strong industrial centre, but slow approvals are affecting its growth. FICO expects the Punjab government to act soon. Earlier steps, such as time-bound SOPs for colony licenses, helped, but property registrations are still delayed. Buyers wait for months, and sellers face uncertainty due to pending paperwork. People and businesses back FICO’s demand. Faster action can boost property deals, stabilise prices, and rebuild investor confidence.
What Happens Next?
FICO is awaiting a response from the government. They are advocating for timely changes to benefit public welfare. If their concerns are overlooked, pressure may increase. Industry groups often unite for such causes.
For now, those interested in Ludhiana properties should verify the current status. It's a good idea to consult agents and stay informed about MC regulations. Streamlined registries could transform the market in this area.