Homebuyers’ body urged PMO to place RERA officials under CVC.

By Abhay Shah, Realty Quarter

Homebuyers’ body FPCE prompted the Prime Minister’s Office to bring representatives to the Central Vigilance Commission implementing the provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act.

The Forum for People’s Collective Efforts (FPCE) has also suggested in its letter to the PMO that all contracts adopted under RERA be audited by the Comptroller Auditor General of India (CAG) in order to verify adherence with RERA regulations.

The FPCE has also expressed concern about claims produced against RERA by state officials. The forum believes that these observations from the authorities, which are to implement the RERA regulations, are designed to prepare the basis for amendments of the law.

“These informal observations by regulators not only challenge but also misuse and challenge the wisdom of our legislators, the cabinet, the government and the judiciary which, after a rigorous process over the years, have together prepared and cleared this Act,” says Abhay Upadhyay, president of FPCE.

In addition, these statements question the ability and competence of the government to enact proper law. The FPCE also stated that it was recommended that any RERA procedure, the appellate authorities and the Conciliation Forum should be conducted in-camera with live feed provisions.

The forum has said, in other suggestions to ensure transparency that a web link should be made public and state agencies should be instructed to audit the website to see if RERA regulations are enforced. The letter states, along with the other disclosures, that penalties imposed during the granting of extensions to contractors should be proper.

The FPCE suggested that all RERA representatives follow an orientation course in which they are counselled to stick to the brief. It also said that the Ministry of Housing should suggest to the government that they send showcase notices for their alleged campaign against RERA to the chairpersons or members of their State.

Finally, the FPCE has asked all RERA representatives to be prevented from participating in the activities organized by building groups because this could lead to a dispute of interest.