Odisha to scrap discretionary quota for plots, houses

The Odisha government has decided to scrap all allotments of plots and houses made under the discretionary quota since January 1, 1995, it was announced on Thursday. A total of 1,791 such allotments would be affected.

It has also decided to issue show cause notice to those who have secured multiple possession of plots and houses under discretionary quota by furnishing false affidavits, and initiate criminal action against them, said an official release.

The government has finalised the modalities for implementation of the recommendations of the task force report it set up to review such allotments under the discretionary quota.

"It has been decided that stringent action will be taken against the persons who have availed multiple/fraudulent allotment of plots/houses/flats by furnishing false affidavit or other misleading information," said a release of the general administration department.

The department will, however, issue show cause notice to each of the allottees before cancellation of their plots and houses.

"Necessary decision for cancellation or resumption or otherwise will be taken after giving due opportunity of hearing to the allottees," said the release.

It said that the vigilance department will simultaneously initiate appropriate action with regards to the multiple allotments and take steps as per the relevant criminal law against the persons who have availed such facility on the basis of false affidavit and misleading information.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) and Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) had allocated the houses and plots to many people, including politicians, bureaucrats and journalists.

A total of 1,791 allotments, including 803 by the BDA, 921 by CDA and 67 by OSHB, would stand cancelled.