Misuse of premises by industrialists alleged Conversion policy under cloud by Archit Watts
Chandigarh, February 27The conversion policy of the Chandigarh administration for industrial plots in the Industrial Area has again come under a cloud, with the industrialists, who have got their plots converted after paying crores of rupees, alleging misuse of premises for commercial activities by a section of industrialists.
Terming the policy as anti-industry, members of the Chandigarh Industrial Association alleged that the conversion policy should also be applied on the banks, taverns and liquor shops located in the Industrial Area.
The administration has adopted double standards while making the policy or has forgotten to apply it to other institutions, they further alleged.
A building owner alleged that the estate office had passed the orders not to use any industrial plot for commercial purposes. But, banks and commercial establishments were running their commercial activities illegally, he further alleged.
Gaurav Khanna, a converted industrial plot owner, said he had paid a huge amount of Rs 20,000 per yard for the conversion of his building for commercial purposes. But the administration seems to be least bothered about those who have not paid even a single penny to the administration and are using the land for commercial activities with impunity.
Stressing the need to safeguard the interest of industry, the plot owners requested that the administrator should mark an inquiry in this regard and there should be no discrimination while giving any relaxations or mistakes.
On the other hand, the Chandigarh Industrial and Tenants Association is demanding rehabilitation of industrial tenants in Industrial Area, Phase III, and is protesting in support of their demands.

Published in Chandigarh Tribune on February 28, 2009