Chandigarh Member of Parliament Manish Tewari strongly opposed the sudden and steep hike in conversion charges for properties in the city. The Chandigarh administration had recently announced that leasehold properties converting into freehold would have to pay much higher charges, effective from June 30, 2025. This decision came as a shock to thousands of residents across Chandigarh. These residents include retired senior citizens, salaried middle-class families, and cooperative housing society members. For years, they had been waiting for the chance to regularise their homes and secure permanent property titles. Since 2017, the conversion charges had remained unchanged, which had given people hope that the process would remain fair and affordable. However, the new rates have now caused deep worry and disappointment among families, especially those already struggling with rising costs of living.
Tewari said the sudden rise in charges was not only unexpected but also unfair because there was no prior discussion or explanation from the administration. The public was not consulted, and no transparent reasoning was shared before the decision was made. This has left residents feeling betrayed and helpless, as they had legitimate expectations that the government would act in their interest. For many, securing a freehold title to their property means stability, safety, and dignity in old age. Now, with the new hike, many families fear they may never be able to afford this regularisation. Tewari highlighted how such actions go against the very spirit of empowering citizens and providing them with secure housing rights.
Raising the matter in Parliament under Rule 377, Tewari made a strong appeal to the Union Government. He urged the Centre to step in immediately and review the Chandigarh administration’s decision. He explained that the move was arbitrary, lacked sensitivity, and ignored the economic challenges people face. According to him, introducing such a sharp increase without considering its impact on common people showed a worrying disconnect between policymakers and citizens. He also pointed out that many families in Chandigarh are not wealthy businessmen or investors, but simple middle-class households who invested their lifetime savings into their homes. Such families cannot afford a sudden financial burden of this scale.
Tewari also said that the hike contradicted the broader goal of providing citizens with secure property rights and promoting transparent urban governance. He argued that regularisation should be affordable and citizen-friendly, not a source of distress. He demanded that the Union Government direct the Chandigarh administration to roll back the increase and explain the logic behind the decision. At the same time, he emphasized that any future policy changes should only be introduced after open public consultations, fair discussions, and complete transparency. Policies must reflect public interest, not surprise or burden the very people they are meant to support.
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By raising this issue in Parliament, Tewari gave voice to the concerns of thousands of Chandigarh residents who feel unheard. His statement highlighted not just the financial pain caused by the hike but also the emotional stress of feeling neglected by the administration. For retired people, who had been patiently waiting for their homes to be converted into freehold properties, this decision has come as a heavy blow. For working-class families already juggling expenses, it has added a fresh layer of uncertainty. Tewari’s intervention reflects the larger question of how governments should balance revenue needs with fairness and compassion for citizens.
In conclusion, Manish Tewari’s stand is a reminder that governance must always put people first. Sudden hikes in charges without consultation harm public trust and create resentment. Policies must not only be legal but also just and humane. By urging a rollback and demanding transparency, Tewari has underlined the importance of fairness, accountability, and sensitivity in urban policy decisions.
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