Lahore, (PR): Punjab Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq has said that instead of unplanned construction, the government would encourage housing schemes having master-plan. Spatial Planning Authority for the housing sector will prove to be a revolutionary step. He was charing a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat. Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Nabeel Javed, Secretary Local Government Shakeel Ahmed Mian, Secretary Housing also attended the meeting. Director General LDA and DG Punjab Land Record Authority briefed the meeting. During the meeting, the regulation of housing schemes was thoroughly reviewed.
Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafiq said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz wants maximum convenience for the people. “To bring transparency in the matters of the housing sector, the Chief Minister will himself look into the matters of the Spatial Planning Authority”, he noted. He said that Planning Support System (PSS) is being introduced in 32 districts of Punjab. “Under preview of PSS permission will be required before starting any housing schemes or all government projects in green areas. Zeeshan Rafiq said that unnecessary NOCs required for private housing schemes will be eliminated. “All records of housing schemes will be available on the dashboard”, he said. He expressed his determination to make the transfer of plots 100 percent transparent. “Maps and plot details will be visible through QR codes”, he remarked. The Minister for Local Government said that work is being done to launch franchise services for the issuance of land to individuals. “It is likely to start in March and citizens will no longer need to go to the Patwari of the area”, he pledged. He urged that the approved master plan of housing schemes should not be changed without solid reasons. “A system will be introduced throughout Punjab in which the needs of small areas will also be taken into account”, he vowed.
The meeting considered second time increase in the development charges conditional to third-party certification. The proposal to give a 25 percent discount to those who register on the property transfer system was also considered.
SMBR Nabeel Javed told the meeting that every land registry is being recorded through digital tax collection. “Schemes that implement government procedures will be given concessions”, he said. DG LDA said that the delay in approval of housing schemes has been largely eliminated. “Efforts are being made to complete the approval process within the stipulated timeline”, said the DG.