Ghaziabad Development Authority Sets Deadline for EWS and LIG Flats Allotment
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has given a stern ultimatum to builders. At a meeting held on Friday, the GDA emphasised the urgency of completing the allotments of Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Lower Income Group (LIG) flats within the next two weeks. If the developers fail to meet this deadline, the GDA has warned that it will withhold completion certificates for the projects.
These flats, aimed at providing affordable housing to the underprivileged, are a key component of many residential developments in Ghaziabad. According to GDA officials, the lack of progress in allotting these units has been disappointing, with many developers failing to meet their obligations under the housing norms. As part of the regulatory requirements, developers of group housing projects are mandated to construct 10% of the total flats as EWS and another 10% as LIG flats. These units are typically smaller and cheaper, designed to cater to those with lower incomes. For EWS flats, the construction cost is capped at around Rs 6 lakh, while LIG flats are expected to be priced at approximately Rs 9 lakh. The floor area for these flats ranges from 24 to 36 square metres for EWS and 40 to 60 square metres for LIG flats.
However, despite these clear guidelines, there have been significant delays in the construction and allotment of these flats. Data from the GDA shows that out of the 4,860 EWS flats to be built by integrated township developers, only 1,717 have been developed, and 1,455 have been allotted. Similarly, of the 4,860 LIG flats planned, only 1,255 have been built, with just 1385 allotted. This delay has raised concerns among the public and the authorities, particularly since these flats are crucial for providing affordable housing to those who need it the most. The GDA official stressed that these delays are not acceptable, as the flats are meant to serve the most vulnerable groups in society. “If developers do not complete the allotments within the given time frame, the GDA will refuse to issue completion certificates for the entire project,” said a GDA spokesperson.
The situation reflects a broader challenge within the real estate sector, where builders often prioritise more profitable segments of the market over affordable housing. The delay in allotting EWS and LIG flats means that many families who depend on these affordable housing options are left without a place to call home. While the GDA’s move to impose a deadline is a step in the right direction, it also raises the question of how effectively housing regulations are being enforced and whether builders are being held accountable for their non-compliance. As the deadline looms, the city’s low-income families are hoping that this push will finally lead to a more efficient process, ensuring they can access the homes they desperately need. The outcome of this deadline will be crucial in shaping the future of affordable housing in Ghaziabad, and it remains to be seen whether developers will rise to the challenge or continue to drag their feet on this critical issue.
