State PCS

• 19 Aug 2024

UP RERA Halts 400 Projects Over Missing Land Records

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has suspended around 400 projects on its portal because the developers failed to upload necessary land records, maps, or both.

• Many of these projects are located in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Key Points

• Reason for Action: Despite repeated notices since 2018, many promoters did not comply with the requirement to upload these documents.
• Objective: The decision aims to protect allottees from potential fraud by ensuring they are aware of the status of these projects before investing.
• Current Compliance: Only 57 out of the 400 projects have provided the necessary explanations or documents.
• Future Steps: Promoters are warned to upload the required documents promptly, or face strict punitive actions.

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 is an Act of the Parliament of India which seeks to protect home-buyers as well as help boost investments in the real estate industry. 

• The Act came into force from 1 May 2016.
• Objective:
  • To establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority for regulation and promotion of the Real Estate sector.
  • To ensure transparency in projects.
  • To protect the interest of consumers in the Real Estate Sector and to establish an adjudicating mechanism for speedy dispute redressal.
  • To provide proper information about the Builder.
  • Give advice to the government on how to develop and promote the real estate sector.

Uttarakhand CM Launches Rs. 30 Cr Schemes

Why in News?

Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated 26 projects worth more than Rs 30 crore ahead of Raksha Bandhan.

Key Points: 

• Focus on Women's Empowerment: The schemes are part of the government's efforts to empower women, especially in areas such as economic upliftment and safety.
• Infrastructure and Welfare Projects: The launched projects include a mix of infrastructure development and welfare programs aimed at improving the state's overall development.
• Flood Protection Measures: As part of the schemes, CM announced efforts to protect areas affected by flooding, focusing on disaster preparedness and recovery.
• Recognizing Local Women: The Chief Minister also honored the women doing better work in the district and appreciated the handmade rakhis and other manufactured products made from Pirul, Aipan, Yarn and other local products by the women of the self-help group of the district.
• New Names for Public Infrastructure: The announcement includes the naming of the under-construction stadium in Champawat after the late Kailash Gahtori. 
  • Additionally, the Kharkodi road of Gram Panchayat Dudhauli will be named in honor of martyred commando Naveen Singh Bisht of the Indian Army.

Haryana Approves SC Sub-Classification

Why in News?

The Haryana council of ministers accepted the recommendations of the state commission for Scheduled Castes to create subclassification of scheduled castes (SC).

Key Points

• Objective: The sub-classification intends to ensure more equitable distribution of benefits and opportunities, especially in educational and employment sectors, by recognizing the distinct needs of different SC communities.
• Panel Recommendation: The commission suggested creating a new category of SCs to provide better representation and assistance to the more disadvantaged sections within the SC community.
  • Commission recommended subclassification be done for the purpose of reservation in government jobs into two categories: 
    • Deprived Scheduled Castes (DSC), comprising 36 castes such as Balmikis, Dhanaks, Mazhabi Sikhs, Khatik, 
    • Other Scheduled Castes (OSC), comprising castes such as Chamar, Jatia Chamar, Rehgar, Raigar, Ramdasi, Ravidasi, Jatav, Mochi, Ramdasia.
• Implementation: The state government plans to implement this sub-classification through amendments in existing policies and schemes to reflect the new categories and ensure targeted support.
• Potential Impact: This move is expected to improve the effectiveness of affirmative action policies by addressing the specific needs of different SC groups and enhancing their socio-economic status.

Kosi-Mechi Link Project

Why in News?

The Kosi-Mechi Link Project in Bihar aims to interlink the Kosi and Mechi rivers. This initiative is part of a larger plan to manage water resources and improve irrigation in the region.

Key Points

• Fund Allocation: In the recent Budget session, the Centre announced an allocation of Rs 11,500 crore to help with flood control in Bihar.
• Irrigation: The project aims to provide irrigation support to 215,000 hectares of agricultural land in the Mahananda river basin during the Kharif season.
• Flood Control: While the project has the potential to offer some flood control benefits, the primary focus remains on improving irrigation.
• Local Protests:
  • Opposition: There has been significant local opposition to the project. Farmers and residents have voiced concerns that the project may not adequately address flood control issues and could potentially disrupt local water resources.
  • Demand for Attention: Protesters are calling for a focus on comprehensive flood management solutions rather than solely relying on river interlinking.
• Environmental and Social Concerns:
  • Impact on Ecosystems: There are worries about the potential environmental impacts of linking rivers, including changes to local ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Displacement and Livelihoods: There are concerns about the displacement of communities and the impact on local livelihoods.
• Government Response: The government is defending the project, emphasizing its benefits for irrigation and potential economic gains for the region. However, there is an ongoing dialogue to address the concerns raised by the local communities.

Rail Surveys Approved for Bastar & Surguja

Why in News?

Recently, The Prime Minister of India has approved surveys for a crucial rail line in Chhattisgarh.

Key Point

• Beneficiaries: The new rail line will significantly benefit the Bastar and Surguja regions by improving connectivity and boosting development.
  • The chief minister highlighted that the survey approval for a new 490 KM rail line from Gadchiroli to Bacheli via Bijapur will significantly boost the inclusive development of Bastar. 
  • The ministry has allocated Rs. 12.25 crore for this survey, which will directly link remote areas of Bastar to cities, providing better access to higher education, employment, healthcare, and markets. 
  • Similarly, the survey approval for a 180 KM rail line from Korba to Ambikapur will greatly contribute to the inclusive development of the Korba and Surguja regions. Rs. 4.5 crore has been sanctioned for this survey.