Stakeholders raise concerns over lack of clarity in Uttarakhand RERA regulations, ET RealEstate
DEHRADUN: Stakeholders have raised concerns about a lack of clarity regarding the Uttarakhand Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UKRERA) regulations concerning both promoters and allottees. This uncertainty has led to the spread of misinformation and strained relations between the parties involved. These concerns were raised at a stakeholders’ awareness workshop organised by UKRERA on Thursday.
“There have been a lot of changes in regulations since RERA came into effect. The practices of the 1990s for developers were different from today. For the promoters or builders, there is a lack of clarity regarding the current regulations. Even the trickle of information from top to bottom leaves a lot to be desired, resulting in confusion and sometimes mistakes,” said Manoj Joshi, chairman at National Real Estate Development Council, Uttarakhand chapter.
Buyers also raised concerns about their rights, with some describing builder-buyer agreements as a form of “blackmail.” Authority officials clarified that the Sale Agreement draft is available on the RERA website, and that any deviation from it can be challenged by buyers.
RERA officials have also clarified that for five years from the date of possession, all structural and quality-related maintenance issues are promoter’s responsibility. This rule often remains unknown to buyers as builder-buyer agreements often don’t mention it.
Real estate agents, who must register with the Authority, also voiced concerns. According to UKRERA data, as of March 31, 488 agent applications were received, with 452 agents registered.
“While RERA claims registries should be done based on the carpet area, they are being done based on the super area. Even the circle rate is calculated on the super area. Additionally, house tax collection and commercial electricity charges are calculated from the super area. Years after partial handover from the builder, the fire system does not function despite an NOC from the department. There are many issues, with limited means of resolution,” said SK Jain, president of an RWA in the city.
Concerns were also raised about real-time tracking of the progress of promoters and projects, particularly as digital transactions and purchases increase. “The Authority has limited manpower. We are creating a new website that will be more transparent and show details of the projects and builders with real-time progress updates. We will try our best to incorporate all suggestions from stakeholders to develop a more seamless and transparent system and strengthen trust in the Authority,” said Naresh Mathpal, UKRERA member.
Chairperson Rabindra Panwar clarified that promoters will soon be directed to establish grievance redressal cells to address buyer concerns at the ground level. Real estate advocate Aman Rab also said that there is a need for allottees to be more aware of their rights and challenge promoters in RERA in cases of violations.
Since its inception in 2017, UKRERA has received 658 applications for various real estate projects, of which 576 have been registered. The Authority has also received 1,230 complaints, with 943 disposed of. However, with an increasing number of upcoming projects in and around Uttarakhand’s capital, as well as major towns and cities, RERA’s role in ensuring fair execution and buyer protection has become critical.
“They have a very critical job in the coming days, especially as cities continue to expand across the state. Ensuring sustainable development also falls with them,” said a stakeholder.
