Over 500 objects to proposed collector guideline rates for property

Indore: The process for filing objections against the proposed collector guideline rates in Indore concluded on Saturday, with nearly 500 formal complaints lodged by citizens, real estate experts and legal professionals. Earlier, District Evaluation Committee had approved hike in rates ranging from 10% to a staggering 200% across 2,606 locations in the district.Senior district registrar Manjula Patel confirmed that objections were received through registration offices, email and WhatsApp. They would now be compiled and reviewed by the District Evaluation Committee before the final proposal is sent to Central Evaluation Committee in Bhopal by March 24.The objections highlight several areas where residents and experts believe the proposed rates are unrealistic. A major point of dispute is the blanket 100% increase in rates for land adjacent to bypass and Ring Road. Critics argue that treating all roads as "national highway" is unfair and that rates should be determined by the actual utility and specific location of the land.Residents of urban multi-storey buildings (apartments) have demanded a reduction in rates for older structures. They argue that a buildings' age and facilities diminish, so, the market value should reflect the property's current condition rather than a standard hike. Significant objections were raised regarding villages located near proposed new road projects, where steep guideline increases are expected to make land acquisition and private development prohibitively expensive.During the objection period, the registration department received proposals to include 15 new colonies under the guideline in addition to the 158 colonies already proposed for the upcoming financial year.Several objections were also raised regarding specific clauses (provisions) within the guidelines. Since these can only be resolved at the state headquarters level, officials confirmed that the specific grievances would be forwarded directly to Bhopal for a final decision."We are compiling all feedback. Every objection will be scrutinised by the committee to ensure the final rates are balanced and fair before the proposal is sent to the state capital," Patel said.