25 government housing units sealed in Ahmedabad for renting out instead of beneficiaries occupying them

Under the Pradhan Mantri and Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), housing units were constructed in different areas of Ahmedabad and allotted to beneficiaries. The Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) Estate Department carried out inspections of 5,590 housing units across seven zones. Out of these, 25 units that were being rented out were sealed.

Additionally, 321 beneficiaries have been issued show cause notices asking why their housing allotment should not be cancelled.

These housing schemes were originally meant to provide homes for economically weaker sections of society, and large numbers of people apply for them. However, despite high demand and many applicants missing out in the lottery process, it has been found that some original allottees are renting out their units instead of using them. Following widespread complaints, AMC launched inspections across all zones.

According to Housing Committee Chairman Mukesh Patel, before cancelling any allotment, the corporation must conduct a hearing process. Hearings were held for 33 beneficiaries, and in 14 of those cases, orders were issued to serve final notices