The Jammu and Kashmir Real Estate Regulatory Authority (JKRERA) has proposed a series of structural and administrative reforms aimed at strengthening regulation, monitoring, and enforcement in the real estate sector across the Union Territory. Among the key proposals are the establishment of a Single Window System for integrated approvals and registrations and the constitution of district-level enforcement cells to curb violations and ensure strict compliance with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act.
These measures are intended to promote transparent, regulated, and planned development in both urban and rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
RERA Implementation in Jammu and Kashmir
The RERA Act came into force in Jammu and Kashmir in 2018, while the Authority became operational in January 2024. Since then, JKRERA has been working to regulate real estate projects, protect consumer interests, ensure transparency, and establish an effective adjudication mechanism for speedy dispute redressal.
According to senior officials, the Authority is currently addressing multiple grassroots-level challenges, particularly in relation to fragmented approval processes and non-compliance with statutory requirements.
Single Window System for Integrated Approvals
To overcome procedural delays and administrative overlap, JKRERA has proposed a Single Window System that would integrate approvals and registrations across departments. This system is expected to reduce delays caused by multiple departmental clearances and improve coordination among government agencies.
Officials noted that the absence of a streamlined mechanism has often resulted in haphazard development, with projects being executed without basic infrastructure, planning norms, or statutory safeguards mandated under law.
District-Level Enforcement Cells Under Deputy Commissioners
Another major proposal involves the creation of district-level enforcement cells under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners. These enforcement units would be responsible for monitoring, reporting, and enforcing RERA violations at the local level.
The Authority believes that decentralised enforcement will significantly enhance compliance and enable faster action against unregistered projects, illegal developments, and promoter violations.
Challenges in Rural Area Approvals
JKRERA officials highlighted several challenges, particularly in rural areas, including the lack of clarity regarding layout approvals for colonies, overlapping jurisdiction of departments, and inadequate inter-departmental coordination.
To address these issues, the Authority has proposed a clearer delineation of approval authorities in rural regions, ensuring that promoters and developers have defined pathways for compliance.
Mandatory Registration of Projects and Agents
Chairperson Satish Chandra reiterated that JKRERA has jurisdiction over all residential and commercial real estate projects in the Union Territory, including plotted developments exceeding 500 square metres or eight apartments, as specified under Section 3 of the RERA Act.
He emphasized that registration of eligible real estate projects and agents with JKRERA is mandatory, and no promoter is allowed to advertise, market, or sell any project without obtaining registration from the Authority.
Safeguards for Homebuyers and Consumer Rights
The Act provides strong safeguards for homebuyers, mandating developers to ensure requisite infrastructure, essential services, and quality construction. These provisions aim to curb unplanned and substandard development, which has been a recurring issue in several parts of the Union Territory.
Authority officials also clarified that any aggrieved person, including allottees, promoters, and real estate agents, can file complaints under Section 31 of the Act, through both online and offline modes.
Enforcement Powers and Penalties
JKRERA is empowered to conduct inquiries, issue directions, and recover penalties as arrears of land revenue in cases of non-compliance. The Act prescribes stringent penalties, including:
• Fines of up to 10 percent of the total project cost
• Imprisonment of promoters for serious violations
• Penalties for non-registration of projects
• Action for failure to comply with orders of the Authority or the Appellate Tribunal
These provisions reinforce the Authority’s role as a strong regulatory body.
Government Support and Administrative Directions
Earlier, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo underscored the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of homebuyers’ interests across Jammu and Kashmir. He urged divisional and district administrations to extend full cooperation for effective implementation of the Act in municipal as well as rural areas.
In a further step, the Housing and Urban Development Department of Jammu and Kashmir has directed all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, and managing directors of public sector undertakings and corporations to register all new and ongoing real estate projects with RERA before commencement of any work.
Conclusion: Toward Planned and Transparent Real Estate Development
The proposed reforms by JKRERA mark a significant move toward strengthening regulatory oversight, simplifying approvals, and enforcing accountability in the real estate sector. If implemented effectively, the Single Window System and district enforcement cells could play a critical role in eliminating unregulated growth and ensuring planned, transparent, and consumer-friendly development across the Union Territory.
