Haryana housing board’s future uncertain as state government plans its merger into HSVP

                Chandigarh: Haryana's decades-old public housing mission may soon lose its distinct identity, with the state govt moving forward on a plan to merge the Haryana Housing Board into 
the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP).The Housing Board, established in 1971 to provide affordable homes on a no-profit-no-loss basis, has long served economically weaker 
sections, low-income families, and the lower middle class. But officials confirmed at a recent HSVP authority meeting — chaired by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini — that a full-scale 
merger is now in the works. The process, however, has been delayed by legal and financial hurdles.Officials pointed out that HSVP cannot absorb the housing board without an 
amendment to the HSVP Act — a step that requires cabinet approval and endorsement by the state assembly. In addition, the board's extensive inventory and liabilities present 
logistical challenges. The agency holds more than 10,000 flats and 300 acres of land currently, along with more than ₹100 crore in outstanding dues.Other govt departments will 
repurpose its headquarters in Panchkula and estate offices across cities, officials said.
"A committee has submitted its recommendations on how to handle the merger, including staff reassignments, asset transfers, and pending liabilities," a senior HSVP official 
confirmed. "The final proposal is now being prepared for cabinet consideration."Since its inception, the housing board has constructed around 1 lakh residential units, serving primarily 
low-income groups through a lottery-based allotment system. The board continued to operate even after the formation of HSVP (then HUDA) in 1977, receiving small plots in each 
urban sector for its projects. It also played a regulatory role in private developers' EWS housing obligations.Critics fear the merger could mark the end of genuinely affordable housing 
in the state. "With HSVP's shifting to auction-based allotment, poor families will be priced out," said Aftab Ahmed, MLA from Nuh and former deputy leader of the state opposition. 
"Now even the housing board's remaining flats will be auctioned off — the last hope for the poor is being extinguished."While the govet insists the move is aimed at administrative 
streamlining and resource optimisation, opposition leaders argue it will undercut housing access for those who need it most. The matter is expected to be placed before the cabinet in 
the coming weeks.

Source : Times of India