Government Reports Sale of Enemy Properties Worth Nearly Rs 3,000 Crore
The Union Home Ministry has disclosed significant progress in the monetization of enemy properties across India. In a written reply presented to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Junior Home Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar revealed that properties valued at a total of Rs 2,930 crore have been successfully sold until January 28 of this year. This substantial figure highlights the government's ongoing efforts to manage and liquidate assets classified under the Enemy Property Act.
Streamlined Administrative Framework for Faster Disposal
To expedite the monetization process, the government has implemented several administrative reforms. Key district officials have been designated with specific custodial responsibilities:
- District Magistrates have been declared as ex-officio deputy custodians of enemy properties within their jurisdictions.
- Sub-Divisional Magistrates now serve as ex-officio assistant custodians.
- Tehsildars have been appointed as ex-officio inspectors for these properties.
- Deputy Secretaries posted in the office of the Custodian of Enemy Properties of India (CEPI) function as ex-officio deputy custodians.
This decentralized approach aims to enhance local oversight and accelerate decision-making regarding property management and sales.
Enhanced Auction Mechanisms to Attract Bidders
Recognizing the need to make enemy property auctions more accessible and attractive to potential buyers, the government has introduced several practical modifications:
- The pre-bid earnest money deposit (EMD) requirement has been substantially reduced from 10% to just 5% of the property value.
- The payment period for successful bidders has been extended significantly from 21 days to 120 days, providing greater financial flexibility.
- For properties that fail to receive bids during three consecutive e-auctions, the reserve price is automatically reduced by 10% before the property is re-listed for auction.
- Under revised norms, occupants are given the first opportunity to purchase enemy properties valued below Rs 1 crore in rural areas and below Rs 5 crore in urban areas.
Comprehensive Valuation and Disposal Procedures
The disposal and monetization of enemy properties follow a meticulous process established under the Enemy Property Act of 1968 and its subsequent rules and guidelines. Before any property is offered for sale, it undergoes thorough valuation:
- Immovable enemy properties are assessed by a valuation committee chaired by the concerned District Magistrate.
- For properties valued above Rs 1 crore, additional market valuation is conducted through empanelled professional valuers.
- All valuation reports are reviewed by the CEPI and presented to the Enemy Property Disposal Committee.
- This committee then provides detailed recommendations to the Central Government regarding the appropriate disposal methods for each property.
Strengthened Institutional Framework and Publicity Efforts
Minister Kumar further informed the House about additional measures to enhance the effectiveness of the enemy property monetization program. A comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued specifically for the publicity and promotion of enemy property auctions, ensuring wider awareness among potential investors. Furthermore, the CEPI headquarters has been strengthened through the posting of regular officers, creating a more robust institutional framework to manage the complex process of enemy property disposal across the nation.
The government's multi-pronged approach—combining administrative restructuring, auction process improvements, rigorous valuation protocols, and enhanced institutional capacity—demonstrates a concerted effort to efficiently manage this unique category of national assets while maximizing returns for the public exchequer.
