CHENNAI: It is learnt that TNRERA, which is functioning without a full time chairman, has sought Rs 10 crore funds from the government after moving into a swanky office in CMDA building.
With huge rent and highly paid officials, the agency is struggling to keep TNRERA functioning, according to sources. Interestingly, a top TNRERA official said that TNRERA has sought budgetary support in anticipation of possible costs to be incurred on the authority and tribunal.
"We don't have immediate crunch requirement," the official added.The headless body, which is without a chairman, is currently being run by housing secretary temporarily along with retired officials of Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) and nominal muster roll workers, most of whom are linked to the CMDA officials.
These officials are working as there has been no fixed qualifications or salary prescribed for the appointment. It is learnt from sources that TNRERA is paying a huge amount as rent as well as on maintenance. The office has also been refurbished with 50 tonnes air conditioner.
"Why should they spend so much that too for temporary staff who have been retired. They are getting the pension as well as salary under the temporary post. Instead of going in for rented premises which is costing in lakhs, TNRERA could have operated within the CMDA premises with officials assigned on deputation," a former planner said.
Sources claim that the entire refurbishment of the swanky TNRERA office was carried out in five to six parts to avoid the tendering process.R Radhakrishnan, the former national president of Builders Association of India, said that it is time TNRERA's affairs are put on order by appointing the committee members and chairman. This would restore the confidence of promoters and consumers, said Radhakrishnan.Currently, there has been a lack of transparency in the functioning of TNRERA, alleges Association of Professional Town Planners K M Sadanandh. Pointing out to lack of details in TNRERA portal as mandated under TNRERA Rules, Sadanandh says the portal has only one-liners about the project lacking details about carpet area and other important details helpful for buyers.
He says that many of the projects which claimed completion certificates from Directorate of Town and Country Planning and Chennai Metropolitan development authority are incomplete.Radhkrishnan concurs with Sadanandh on the failure of TNRERA to update the website as mandated under the Act. However, with lack of committee members and chairman, there is absence of fixing the responsibility on officials, claim sources.
TNRERA revises fee for filing of complaints
Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority has revise dthe fee for filing complaints against promoter or project.Now a complainant has to pay a fee of rs 1,000 and additional payment of Rs 600 online towards registering a complaint.For filing of complaints before the adjudicating officer, a fee of Rs 5,000 and additional payment of Rs 600 towards postage charges should be paid online. The order takes immediate effect.