Builders Protest Proposed Jantri Hike in Gujarat, Call It ‘Officials’ Misdeeds’

The state government’s steep hike in jantri rates has led to builders rallying against the decision. While the government extended the deadline for objections by a month, CREDAI has demanded an offline option for filing objections, among other requests. If the proposed increase is implemented, property prices could rise by 30–40%, jeopardizing affordable housing for the common man. CREDAI has urged the government to roll back the excessive hike. Protests against the hike are being held today in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, Surat, and other cities.

Silent Protest and Memorandum in Rajkot

Rajkot builders held a silent rally and submitted a memorandum to the District Collector opposing the jantri hike. The government has proposed an increase of 200–2,000% in the new jantri rates. Builders have requested the suspension of implementation until March 31, 2025. They highlighted the ongoing challenges in Rajkot’s construction sector following the TRP Gamezone fire incident, which has caused significant setbacks in the industry.

Builders Demand More Time for Review

Rajkot Builders Association President Paresh Gajera stated that while the government took 1.5 years to survey and announce the rates on November 20, 2024, the public was given only one month to provide feedback. Their findings indicate an unprecedented increase of 200–2,000% in the proposed rates. Builders have requested an extension of the review period until March 31, 2025.

Construction Stagnation and Fire NOC Issues

Builders in Rajkot are struggling with delayed fire NOCs required for plan approvals and completion certificates. Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) has not issued these clearances for months, affecting new projects. The association has raised these issues with the Gujarat government, urging quick resolutions to revive the sector and reduce municipal revenue losses.

Impact of TRP Gamezone Fire on the Construction Industry

The TRP Gamezone fire incident has severely impacted Rajkot’s construction sector. RMC’s budget projected over ₹200 crore from paid FSI, but losses this year are estimated at ₹50–100 crore. Builders have called for faster approval processes, including granting plan approvals and completion certificates within 30 days.

District Collector Addresses Jantri Concerns

Rajkot District Collector Prabhav Joshi acknowledged receiving 150 objections related to the jantri hike. The government has started accepting offline objections, and a committee will review these submissions before presenting findings to the government.

Builders Rally in Vadodara Against Unrealistic Jantri Rates

Builders and developers in Vadodara held a rally and submitted a memorandum opposing the government’s newly proposed jantri rates, claiming they are unrealistic and calculated without proper market research. The hike could lead to a 50–100% increase in property prices, hindering the city’s development.

CREDAI Vadodara Vice Chairman Criticizes Jantri Hike

Mayank Patel, Vice Chairman of CREDAI Vadodara, criticized the steep jantri rate hike, noting a 2,000% increase compared to 2011 rates. He emphasized the burden this places on the public and urged the government to reconsider its decision. Several affected groups joined CREDAI in submitting a memorandum at the collector’s office.

Proposed Increase of 200–2,000% in Jantri Rates

A study by CREDAI Ahmedabad revealed that the proposed jantri rates have increased by 200–2,000%. While the hike is lower in urban areas, rural and smaller towns have been disproportionately affected. Although an increase in jantri rates is necessary for city development, such a steep and sudden hike is deemed unacceptable by stakeholders.