Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has urged Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to order an inquiry into the alleged allotment and unauthorised occupation of government residences in Chandigarh’s Sector 39 by Aam Aadmi Party functionaries and office-bearers.
Khaira met the governor and submitted a representation seeking an investigation into the alleged misuse of government accommodation, along with recovery of rent arrears and other outstanding dues. The allegations have not been independently established in the report.
According to Khaira’s representation, some AAP functionaries were occupying state government residences despite not holding positions of authority in the government. He alleged that the houses were originally intended for Punjab ministers and sought verification of the entitlement of every occupant and the purpose for which the residences had been allotted.
The Bholath legislator cited the Punjab Government Houses (General Pool) Allotment Rules, 1983. Under those rules, allotment is described as permission granted to an eligible employee to occupy government accommodation in accordance with the applicable provisions.
Khaira also referred to the Punjab government’s Business Rules, which place matters concerning the allotment and maintenance of houses for ministers and residences under the chief minister’s pool with the general administration department. He said these provisions required the authority and eligibility behind each allotment to be examined.
The Congress MLA sought details of the current occupants, the authority under which the residences were allotted or occupied, and the rent, licence fee, electricity, water charges and other government dues payable and recovered from them.
He also requested the eviction of unauthorised occupants in accordance with law and recovery of applicable licence fees, damages and other outstanding dues. In his representation, Khaira asked for a time-bound independent inquiry involving the competent authorities of the Punjab government and the Chandigarh administration.
“I request you, in the capacity of governor of Punjab-cum-administrator, Chandigarh, to kindly have the matter examined by the competent authorities of the Punjab govt and the Chandigarh administration and ensure that no person, irrespective of political affiliation or position, is permitted to occupy or use govt accommodation without a valid legal entitlement and written authority,” Khaira said.
The next step sought by Khaira is an examination of the alleged allotments and occupations by the competent authorities of the Punjab government and the Chandigarh administration.