Tamil Nadu Launches Scheme for Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots

In May this year, the Tamil Nadu government launched the Regularisation of  Unapproved Plots and Layouts Rules, 2017, a special scheme that prompts the identification of unapproved plots of land in the State. It is part of a massive drive to regulate appropriate utilisation of land and property. State laws stipulate that 55% of the total land being targeted for housing projects must be used for Open Space Reservation (OSR), which includes public facilities like parks and children’s play area. Unapproved plots slip through the cracks and end up being entirely used up for housing.

The survey churned out revealing statistics. So far, government authorities say, there are nearly 25,000 unauthorised layouts and an estimated 13 lakh plots across Tamil Nadu. Here is a timeline of the government orders and an outline of the process:

• On May 4th, 2017, the Tamil Nadu government laid out the rules for Regularisation of Unapproved Plots that were sold and registered as before 20th October 2016.
• Under the regularisation rules, owners of these plots can apply for registration within six months of the commencement of this regulation, which is set to be finalised on 14th June 2017.
• The owners and property developers have to submit a sketch of the layout of the land along with their application for assessment by the concerned authorities.
• For ease of use, the government has set up www.tnlayoutreg.in, an official website where owners and developers can submit applications online.  The last date for submission 3rd November 2017.
• Regularisation will happen in two stages – In the first step, the authorities will survey and submit an in-principle approved layout plan to the local body. Subsequently, the local body will examine the application, assess the ownership, and collect all relevant charges.
• The owners will be charged for regularisation, development, and OSR and the fees will differ from municipality to municipality. For instance, it is Rs 100 per sq ft for regularisation and Rs 600 for the development of plots or layouts in the City Municipal Corporation area while OSR charges are dependent on the plot area. A scrutiny fee of Rs 500 will be charged additionally.
• Failure to apply will mean that the property will be cut off from basic facilities like water, electricity, and drainage and it will be restricted from applying for building approvals.

The Regularisation of Unapproved Plots and Layouts Rules, 2017 is a bold and beneficial move by the Tamil Nadu government. But there are many aspects and points that remain vague. The hope is that the final verdict on 14th June will clarify the scheme further and pave the way for more transparent and organised processes.