GMADA Imposes Fresh Financial Burden on IT City Allottees
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has imposed a significant financial burden on allottees of its ambitious IT City project located on Airport Road in Mohali. The authority has fixed enhancement charges at Rs 7,845 per square yard, a decision that has sparked widespread resentment among plot owners.
Official Decision and Timeline
An official letter issued by the Estate Officer (Plots) on Thursday confirmed the decision. The letter stated that the agenda titled "Assessment and Recovery of Additional Price from Present Allottee/Transferee of IT City Scheme" was approved during GMADA's 38th meeting held on January 12, 2026.
All existing allottees and transferees are now required to pay this additional amount. Failure to deposit the charges within the stipulated timeframe will result in interest penalties, which will continue to increase with any delay in payment.
Historical Context and Current Resentment
This move has reignited concerns among property owners, as similar enhancement charges imposed in Sectors 76 to 80 previously led to a prolonged agitation lasting nearly two-and-a-half years. That earlier protest eventually forced the government to reduce the rates, setting a precedent for potential resistance.
Following GMADA's latest decision, resentment is brewing among IT City allottees who feel unfairly targeted by what they perceive as an unjustified financial imposition.
Industry Criticism and Unfair Practices
Property traders and industry experts have strongly criticized the decision, labeling it as unreasonable and unjust. They point out that when GMADA launched the IT City scheme in 2018, plot rates were fixed at Rs 25,000 per square yard for general allottees, while under the oustees quota, farmers received plots at Rs 13,500 per square yard.
"Demanding additional lakhs of rupees after eight years is not only unfair but amounts to injustice toward buyers," argued industry representatives. They emphasized that recovering extra charges years after selling properties cannot be considered reasonable or just under any circumstances.
Political and Community Backlash
Former president of the Mohali Property Consultants Association, S S Lucky, expressed strong disapproval of the move. He noted the contradiction in government actions, stating that while authorities talk about providing relief on one hand, they are simultaneously burdening IT City allottees with enhancement charges on properties that were already purchased.
Lucky described the decision as "contradictory and completely unjustified," highlighting the financial strain it places on property owners who had already made substantial investments.
Broader Implications for Mohali Development
Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi offered sharp criticism of GMADA's approach, accusing the development authority of transforming into what he called a "property dealer" with little concern for Mohali residents' welfare.
"When commercial properties are sold at prices many times higher than residential plots, why doesn't GMADA bear the enhancement cost from its own earnings?" Bedi questioned. He suggested that enhancement charges could easily be paid from the substantial revenue GMADA generates through property sales rather than imposing additional burdens on citizens.
The Deputy Mayor further emphasized that GMADA appears to be "eyeing hundreds of crores" by selling Mohali's properties, suggesting that the authority should utilize that revenue stream instead of placing financial pressure on allottees.
This development raises significant questions about urban development policies, financial transparency, and the balance between revenue generation and citizen welfare in Punjab's growing urban centers.
