In a setback to property owners who habitually settle their dues after the stipulated deadline, the Uttar Pradesh government’s estate department has announced that they will now have to pay more. Issuing a fresh set of directives on Thursday, the department stated that an annual interest rate will be imposed on defaulters who make payments after a delay of four months or more.
The dues will be recalculated after imposing an annual interest rate on the due amount at the rate of 9.15%. This decision aims to encourage property occupants to make timely payments.
Estate officer UP, Pawan Kumar Gangwar, said, “We will adjust the annual interest rate based on the SBI EBLR (External Benchmark Linked Rate) and issue recovery notices accordingly. Those who make payments on time will not be required to pay additional interest.”The estate department, responsible for managing nearly 7,000 residential units, introduced an online payment system a year ago to streamline the payment process.
It oversees 52 government colonies in Lucknow, including VIP enclaves such as Kalidas Marg, Raj Bhavan Colony, Gautampalli, Gulistan Colony, and Butler Palace, among others, besides maintaining the secretariat buildings, state guest houses, and MLA hostels.
Highlighting the ongoing issues, an occupant of Dalibagh Colony, said, “Over the past decade, our colony’s condition has worsened due to a lack of regular maintenance. The water supply is irregular, and residents on the upper floors struggle the most. Water seepage in the walls is also a very common sight.”
A department officer acknowledged the maintenance issues, stating, “Some colonies, awarded at a nominal monthly rent, are overdue for maintenance.
However, timely payment is mandatory for all occupants. We are currently compiling a list of defaulters who have not made their payments, and fresh recovery notices will be issued to them.”
