Curation Team
LUDHIANA: The District development and panchayat officer (DDPO) has cancelled the allotment of 70 commercial shops built by the panchayat in Jainpur village, after revelations of forged procedures, suspiciously low rental rates, and potential official misconduct in a land deal near a major highway.
The decision came after an internal review revealed that the shops — some still under construction — had been allotted without technical evaluation, administrative approval, or a rate assessment, in what officials described as a “forged procedure.” The shops, located in a prime commercial zone near the Ladhowal bypass, were reportedly leased out at a monthly rent of just ₹1,100 per shop in perpetuity — a figure officials say is drastically undervalued given the market potential of the area.
DDPO Navdeep Kaur confirmed that the allotments have been officially revoked and that the role of two officers is currently under investigation. According to sources in the department, one of the officers is a BDPO-level official, presently under suspension in another case, while the other is posted in Mohali district.
“Ordinarily, the technical wing must evaluate shop allotments and determine rent based on market factors,” said one official. “But this bypassed all norms. The value of the property involved is likely in crores.” The DDPO has begun issuing eviction notices to those occupying the shops. Once vacated, the department plans to initiate a fresh, legally sound allotment process, adhering to the mandated technical and administrative checks.
Officials added that further investigation is ongoing, and the involvement of additional staff in the irregularities has not been ruled out. A comprehensive report is expected to be submitted to higher authorities for further action against those responsible.
