Chandigarh, May 19 -- The audit of the estate office, Sector 17, exposed a major lapse in enforcing revenue recovery norms, with government dues worth Rs.13.28 crore unpaid by Motor Market allottees. The audit and inspection report for the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2025 was accessed by RTI activist RK Garg.

The audit highlights that under the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, the UT administration introduced the "Allotment of Sites on Leasehold Basis to Auto Spare Part Dealers and Auto Repair Mechanics Scheme, 1999."

According to the scheme, the ground rent must be paid annually without demand and a maximum extension of six months can be granted with 6% annual interest. Failure to pay can attract penaltie...