No registry, no vote: Homebuyers in Noida and Greater Noida threaten to boycott Lok Sabha polls over pending registries

Unhappy over the issue of pending registries, homebuyers and residents of several group housing societies in Noida and Greater Noida West have launched a “No Registry, No Vote” campaign ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

They said that either they will not exercise their franchise or choose NOTA in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls later this month if registries of their flats are not done. In some housing complexes residents have also put up large banners reading “No Registry, No Vote” on their society gates and balconies for politicians visiting their societies.

Registry here refers to registration of flats across hundreds of stalled real estate projects in the areas. While a report by a committee chaired by former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, to provide solutions for such projects, was approved by the Uttar Pradesh government in December 2023, the number of homebuyers who have received relief under it is far from target.

Lok Sabha elections in Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway regions that fall under Gautam Budh Nagar constituency will take place on April 26, 2024.

Frustrated with false promises by politicians on getting their registries done in the past, the residents have put up “No Registry-No Vote” posters for politicians visiting their societies in Noida and Greater Noida areas under the Gautam Buddha Nagar constituency for Lok Sabha poll campaigning.

Societies where residents are running “No Registry, No Vote” campaign include Gaur Saundaryam at Techzone 4 in Greater Noida West, Gardenia Glory in Noida Sector 46, Futec Gateway in Sector 75, Himalaya Pride at Techzone 4 in Greater Noida West, Nirala Greenshire society in Sector 2 Greater Noida West, Ajnara Homes in Greater Noida West and Shivalik Homes at Surajpur in Greater Noida, among others.

According to data available with the Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna authorities, around 1.15 lakh stalled flats awaiting registry under the Kant relief package, only around 3,350 flats have been registered so far.

The Kant relief package provides several waivers to builders including a two-year zero-period relief — taking into account the Covid period — which translates into a 20% waiver of total outstanding land dues.
Under the zero-period clause, interest and penal interest will not be levied on the builder for two years, and installments will be shifted beyond it. However, there is a proviso that registration of flats could begin after the builder pays 25% of the outstanding amount (land dues) within 60 days.

In Noida, the authority roped in a total of 57 builders — this does not include projects in NCLT/courts — under the plan. Of these, developers of 35 projects have given consent for the scheme. However, only 14 builders have paid the required 25% of the dues so far.

Officials said only a maximum of 500 flats have registered so far, while there are around 32,000 stalled flats covered under the package in Noida.

“The time limit of 60 days to pay 25% of the outstanding dues will expire by April 12 in most cases. If the builders do not respond by this day, as a next step, we will proceed according to the plan which involves the provision of penal action,” said a senior Noida Authority official.

Similarly, around 1,550 flats have been registered by the Greater Noida Authority after the implementation of the plan. Data with the authority shows that a total of 99 projects, with a total of 1.02 lakh units, have been roped in by the authority — 68,563 units are awaiting sub-lease deed (registry) execution.

Under the Yamuna Authority, there are a total of 13 projects with 24,396 flats. Data shows that out of 14,358 flats roped in for registration, the registry has been done only for 1,283.