Official accommodation: Allocation rules changed

ISLAMABAD:

The government has changed accommodation rules to discourage illegal occupation of government houses across the country.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved the amendments to the Accommodation Allocation Rules 2002, proposed by the housing ministry recently, said a notification issued by the ministry on Wednesday.

According to the new rules, those serving and retired officials who do not pay rent of the houses under their occupation will be evicted.

In case of unauthorised retention beyond allotted period, rent equivalent to the market rate shall be charged. A four-member committee headed by deputy secretary estate will determine the rent as per market rate.

The rent prevalent in the market for all categories and types of accommodation in various localities will be notified every year in July.

In case of trespassing or unauthorised occupation, besides eviction, rent equivalent to twice the market rate will be charged.

A senior officer at the ministry on condition of anonymity said that over 1,000 government houses were either in illegal occupation or occupied by government officials even after retirement and completion of the grace period.

“The amendment will help us vacate houses from unauthorised officials,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2015.