‘No wife, no flat’ has slum-dwellers in fix

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 22

The condition imposed by the CHB to allot flats to those eligible only in the presence of their wives has put slum-dwellers of Colony No. 4 in a quandary.

While the CHB has started a drive to hand over the keys of the flats constructed at Maloya under the rehabilitation scheme, some slum-dwellers were denied allotment as they came without their wives yesterday. They were told to bring their wives if they wanted the keys.

As per the terms and conditions of the allotment, it is mandatory to allot a flat in the joint names of the husband and wife. CHBChief Engineer Rajiv Singla said the aim was to ensure that the husband cannot take a decision regarding the ownership of the flat without his spouse’s consent.

It has been observed in many cases that men desert their wives and then sell the flats. The condition will secure the future of the wives and children.

The CHB has so far allotted flats to over 250 slum-dwellers from Colony No. 4.

The Administration has started the process to shift Colony No. 4 residents. After verifying their details, the slum-dwellers were given the keys of their flats. The board has deputed staff to ensure that allottees get the possession without any problem. The board has constructed over 5,000 flats in Maloya. As many as 128 more slum-dwellers were given flats today.

‘Move aimed at wives, children’s welfare’

• As per the terms and conditions of the allotment, it is mandatory to allot a flat in the joint names of the husband and wife.
• Rajiv Singla, Chief Engineer of the CHB, said the aim of imposing the condition was to ensure that the husband does not take a decision regarding the ownership of the flat without the consent of his wife.
• It has been observed in many cases that husbands desert their wives and then sell the flats. The condition will secure the future of the wives and children.