The Centre on Thursday extended the provisions of five state legislations to the Union Territory of Chandigarh, under reforms to modernise legal frameworks, enhance transparency and improve the ease of living and ease of doing business in the region.
Through notifications, issued under Section 87 of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, are in accordance with the established practice of extending suitable state laws to Chandigarh, which does not have its own legislature.
The reforms, approved by the Centre, include extension of three laws of the State of Punjab.
Also read: Centre plans to sync Chandigarh with other UTs
The Indian Stamp (Punjab Amendment) Acts, 2001 and 2003
The law introduces a renewed framework for property valuation and collection of stamp duty, including a clear mechanism for detection and correction of undervaluation, thereby improving transparency and reducing scope for evasion in property transactions.
The Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act, 2021
This provides a modern legal framework for survey and recording of ownership rights in habitation areas which have historically remained outside formal land records.
The Punjab Abadi Deh (Record of Rights) Act is expected to bring clarity in ownership, reduce disputes and support better land administration and planned urban development.
The Punjab Prevention of Human Smuggling Act, 2012 and Amendment Act, 2014
This law established a comprehensive regulatory framework for travel agents, including licensing, enforcement and penal provisions, aimed at addressing human smuggling and protecting citizens, particularly students and job seekers, from fraudulent practices.
Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022
IThe Centre has extended this act to replace the existing legal framework and introduce a contemporary, risk-based fire safety regime in Chandigarh.
The Act provides for streamlined approvals, longer validity of Fire Safety Certificates, professional compliance mechanisms and a rationalised penalty framework, thereby improving safety of life and property while reducing compliance burden.
Assam Tenancy Act, 2021
This act, aligned with the Model Tenancy Act, 2021, has been extended to replace the existing East Punjab Urban Rent Restriction Act, 1949 and introduce a modern and balanced tenancy framework.
The Act provides for formal tenancy agreements, clear delineation of rights and obligations, structured eviction procedures and a time-bound dispute resolution mechanism, thereby promoting transparency and improving availability of rental housing.
Taken together, these measures aim to plug gaps in existing legal frameworks, enhance regulatory clarity and uniformity, strengthen citizen protection, and improve governance efficiency in Chandigarh.
(With inputs from ANI)
