Vadodara : GHB Allottees Protest, Demand Homes

Vadodara : Discontent brews as hundreds of Gujarat Housing Board (GHB) allottees rally in protest at the board’s office in Vadodara on Monday. Despite making partial payments for houses allotted in the Swami Vivekanand Heights-3 scheme, beneficiaries are left without possession, facing notices instead.

GHB’s residential project aimed at the Economic Weaker Section has allocated 1 BHK flats to 1560 beneficiaries in Vadodara’s Gorva area. While construction is complete, extensive interior and exterior work remains pending.

Jayprakash Vankar, a beneficiary, highlighted that although the structure was finished in 2022, essential finishing work is yet to be completed, rendering the flats uninhabitable. For those with bank loans, EMIs have commenced, yet they continue to live in rented accommodations.

Adding to their woes, GHB has issued penalty notices of Rs 70,000 to each beneficiary for their failure to occupy the allotted houses.

Ganpatbhai, another beneficiary, underscored the absence of basic amenities like potable water facilities, lifts, and fire safety systems. Instead of addressing these concerns, GHB’s imposition of penalties exacerbates the financial strain on low-income individuals.

The aggrieved beneficiaries demand the withdrawal of these penalty notices, grappling with the dilemma of paying EMIs, rent, or hefty penalties. Their plea to GHB is simple: provide habitable homes before imposing penalties.

Amit Mangar, GHB’s executive engineer, assured completion of pending work for possession but refrained from addressing the penalty issue, leaving the protesters seeking resolution and justice.