Instead of attracting applications, the ‘corrective and precautionary’ rules adopted by the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) are rather keeping interested parties at bay.

The eligible applicants for the housing scheme recently launched by CHB for the economically weaker section (EWS) in Sector 26 are having a tough time meeting all the requirements before the deadline of November 3.  

According to the rules, an applicant is required to submit a voter identity card along with a copy of the latest voter list, published prior to the date of announcement of the scheme. This clause is being opposed by applicants on the grounds that they are unable to get a copy of the list.

“The CHB wants to ensure that the applicant is a resident of Chandigarh and not accept the voter ID alone on the basis that the individual may have left the city and be living elsewhere as the card might have been issued a few years ago. But then the Board must also consider that in the recent elections, around 15,000 residents’ names were missing from the voter list despite having the ID cards,” rued a resident who is facing problems applying for the housing scheme.

Meanwhile, CHB chairman Mohanjeet Singh said, “An applicant is required to follow the norms to make sure that the beneficiary is authorised. These are precautionary measures to keep out the ineligible applicants. The Board has no intention of harassing residents.”

Applicants also rued other norms which are posing hurdles.

... contd.