Chief Secretary Reviews RERA Act Implementation in Jammu & Kashmir
The Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir recently convened a detailed meeting to review the implementation status of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, across the Union Territory. The meeting, which was attended by various senior officials, focused on enhancing the enforcement mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and the protection of homebuyers' interests in the real estate sector.
The meeting was attended by the Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JKRERA), Satish Chandra, the Secretary of the Rural Development Department, Commissioners of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), the Inspector General of Registrations, and the Vice Chairpersons of Jammu Development Authority and Srinagar Development Authority, among other senior officers.
Emphasizing the need for a coordinated and integrated approach, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of strengthening enforcement mechanisms. He called upon the concerned Divisional and District Administrations to extend all necessary assistance to JKRERA for the effective implementation of the Act in both municipal and rural areas. The Chief Secretary observed that non-compliance with the provisions of the Act often leads to haphazard development, lacking basic facilities and statutory safeguards.
Chairperson, J&K RERA, Satish Chandra, provided a detailed briefing on the mandate and functioning of the Authority. Established under an Act of Parliament in 2016, JKRERA exercises jurisdiction over all residential and commercial real estate projects in the Union Territory, including plotted developments exceeding 500 square metres or eight apartments, as specified under Section 3 of the Act. He highlighted that the registration of eligible real estate projects and real estate agents with JKRERA is mandatory, and no promoter is permitted to advertise, market, or sell any project without such registration.
The Act ensures the protection of buyers' rights and mandates developers to provide the necessary infrastructure and facilities, thereby preventing unplanned and sub-standard developments. The Authority also discussed the mechanisms in place for project and agent registration, complaint filing and disposal, and the enforcement of statutory provisions. It was noted that any aggrieved person, including allottees, promoters, and real estate agents, can file complaints under Section 31 of the Act through both online and offline modes. JKRERA has the power to conduct inquiries and recover penalties as arrears of land revenue in cases of non-compliance.
The meeting was also apprised of the stringent penalty provisions under the Act, which include penalties extending up to 10 per cent of the project cost and imprisonment for promoters in cases of violations such as non-registration of projects and failure to comply with the orders of the Authority or the Appellate Tribunal. The Authority highlighted the awareness programmes being conducted to sensitize stakeholders about the provisions of the Act, buyer safeguards, and regulatory obligations. A summary of enforcement actions undertaken and complaints disposed of was also presented during the meeting.
Key issues discussed in the meeting included the lack of clarity regarding layout approvals for colonies in rural areas, delays due to multiple departmental approvals, and the need for enhanced inter-departmental coordination. To address these challenges, JKRERA proposed clearer delineation of approval authorities in rural areas, the establishment of a Single Window System for integrated approvals and registrations, and the constitution of district-level enforcement cells under the Deputy Commissioners to strengthen monitoring, reporting, and enforcement of RERA violations. These measures are expected to ensure transparent, regulated, and planned development of the real estate sector across Jammu & Kashmir.
In conclusion, the Chief Secretary's review meeting underscored the critical importance of a coordinated approach and robust enforcement mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of the RERA Act in Jammu & Kashmir, thereby protecting the interests of homebuyers and promoting a healthy real estate market.
