CHANDIGARH: Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion and Power, Sanjeev Arora, today announced a series of major initiatives and reforms aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery, and enhancing ease of living for citizens across Punjab.
Highlighting public relief measures, the Minister informed that the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme for Improvement Trusts has been reintroduced till April 30, 2026, offering a rebate of around 50% on Non-Construction Fee (NCF), providing significant financial relief to property owners.
In a major achievement, house tax collection for FY 2025–26 has reached ₹600 crore, up from ₹500 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting improved efficiency, transparency, and better compliance in urban local bodies.
Giving a boost to urban infrastructure, the Minister stated that 2, 120 kilometres of roads are being taken up across Municipal Corporations and Councils at a cost of ₹1, 300 crore, with completion targeted by end of May 2026. Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring pothole-free roads before the monsoon, using the latest technology for durable repairs.
In a major ease-of-doing-business reform, the building plan approval process has been simplified. Files will now be submitted to the Commissioner only once instead of twice, significantly reducing processing time. Further, STP approvals will now be required only for plots of half an acre and above, instead of the earlier limit of 500 square yards.