Chandigarh Administration’s Proposed Collector Rates Spark Controversy

Dealers’ Associations will mark Protest against the hike in tax

The Chandigarh Administration’s decision to hike collector rates has drawn severe criticism from the Chandigarh Property Consultant Association, which claims that the move will make homeownership unaffordable for the middle class. The association alleges that the administration’s intent is to reserve Chandigarh’s real estate for the ultra-rich from Delhi, Mumbai, and NRIs.

According to the proposed collector rates, urban sectoral grids will see a hike ranging from 42% to 128%. Plotted development rates will increase from ₹70,424 to ₹78,250 per square yard to ₹1,28,200 to ₹1,78,600 per square yard. Rural areas will witness an even steeper hike, with residential property collector rates increasing by 316% and commercial property rates rising by 438%.

The Chandigarh Property Consultant Association has questioned the administration’s decision, citing the already crippled real estate market due to the halt on share-wise registry. The association’s President, Kamal Gupta, and Secretary, Jatinder Singh, emphasized that Chandigarh’s exceptional urban planning and greenery make it a preferred city, but the administration’s moves are making homeownership impossible for the middle class.

The association also demanded to know if any official in the Chandigarh Administration would be able to afford property at the proposed rates. The people of Chandigarh are seeking answers, and the administration’s response will be closely watched.