State set to punish errant promoters

KOLKATA: The state government is all set to arm itself with penal provisions to take errant promoters to task. A Bill with a slew of such provisions is likely to be placed before the Assembly on Thursday.
The Opposition described the Bill as long overdue. “Marxists have turned into Rip Van Winkle. They have awakened from their slumber after illegal constructions mushroomed all over the state ,'''' said Trinamul Congress chief whip Shovondeb Chatterjee on Wednesday.
Once the Bill is approved by the Assembly, promoters will have to return deposits with 12 per cent interest on their failure to give possession within the specified time-frame.They will otherwise be liable to refund the advance amount paid by the purchaser ''on demand'' within three months.
The Bill, prepared by the state housing department, has made other stringent provisions in the wake of public outrage over malpractices by a large section of promoters. It seeks to make violation of laws by promoters cognizable, non-bailable and punishable by jail terms up to five years.
The salient features of the Bill:
* Anybody who constructs a building in excess of the requirements of the members of his family would be deemed a promoter. Even conversion of part of a building into a flat would be considered likewise.
* Government officers not below the rank of assistant engineers will be authorised to enter any flat in case of allegation of illegal construction. They will be empowered to direct the police, district magistrate, local body chief as well as chief engineer of the housing department to stop construction or demolish the building after giving a notice to the promoter.
* The registration certificate of the promoter will be cancelled if he uses substandard material or violates building rules.
* Permission for construction of a building to remain valid for five years. However, the state government may extend the time upto seven years or more.