Chandigarh, Aug. 28 -- The absence of an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) policy has emerged as a major roadblock for the housing projects of the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) and the municipal corporation (MC). Despite being mandated under Chandigarh Building Rules (Urban), 2017, that 15% of the total dwelling units, with a minimum area of 30 sqm, be reserved for the EWS category, the city still does not have a notified policy for the allotment of such houses. UT finance secretary Diprava Lakra confirmed that the administration is currently in the process of framing the policy, which will define the eligibility criteria for the EWS category. "The policy will soon be notified, and it will decide who qualifies under the EWS segment," he said. Officials from the CHB stressed that, in the absence of this policy, neither the Housing Board nor the MC can proceed with auctions of residential plots or flats. The delay has hit the CHB's much-awaited General Housing Scheme in Sector 53, which was set for launch in the second week of September. The scheme, spread over 8.98 acres, includes 492 flats in five-storey buildings. This would have been CHB's first housing scheme since its Sector 51 project in 2016. A senior official revealed that while the brochure has been finalised, the launch now hinges on the EWS policy notification. Prices under the newly revised collector rates, effective from April 1, 2024, show a steep increase: a three-bedroom flat is expected to cost around Rs.2.30 crore, a two-bedroom flat Rs.1.97 crore, and an EWS flat around Rs.74 lakh. Meanwhile, the financially strained MC was preparing to auction 6.9 acres of prime land in Manimajra for residential development, after securing approval from the UT administration. However, the approval came with the condition that 15% of flats be reserved for EWS. The MC has sought clarity from the administration on crucial aspects such as the income ceiling for EWS eligibility, the procedure for inviting applications, and the allotment process. "A clear policy is necessary for developers before they participate in the auction. The absence of such guidelines will directly impact the bids," a senior MC officer explained. "We are also examining whether it would be viable to earmark 15% of the land itself for EWS housing, but that may not be feasible," the officer added. Experts point out that Chandigarh needs to adopt a clear and practical EWS framework, similar to Delhi, to resolve the impasse. In Delhi's policy for central government schemes, an EWS certificate is issued to families with an annual income ceiling of Rs.10 lakh. For joint applicants, the combined income must not exceed Rs.10 lakh per annum. Applicants are required to submit an annual family income certificate from a competent authority. The Delhi policy also outlines a price-calculation mechanism for EWS flats, ensuring transparency....