LUCKNOW, Jan. 13 -- The Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board has announced an enhanced discount on flat bookings under its ongoing "First Come, First Served" scheme for serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces. The Board has increased the maximum discount from 15% to 20% exclusively for defence and paramilitary personnel. The decision was taken during the 274th meeting of the Board and came into effect from Monday (January 12). Under the revised scheme, armed forces and paramilitary personnel will get a 20% discount if they make full payment within 60 days from the date of issuance of the allotment letter. If the payment is made within 61 to 90 days, they will receive a 15% discount, while a 10% discount will be applicable for payments made within 91 to 120 days. Board Deputy Housing Commissioner Chandan Patel revealed that at present, the Board is offering ready-to-move vacant flats to the general public in districts including Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Kanpur, Saharanpur, Moradabad and Agra under the same scheme. For general applicants, a 15% discount is available on lump-sum payment within 60 days and 10% within 61 to 90 days. The last date to apply under the scheme is January 31. Patel said the additional concession reflects the state's social and moral responsibility towards defence personnel, who serve under challenging conditions such as frequent transfers, postings in high-risk areas and prolonged separation from families. The move aims to ensure greater participation of armed forces and paramilitary personnel in the housing schemes of the board. Patel added that eligible personnel can register and book flats through the board's official website.www.upavp.in. HTC...