Ludhiana, March 6 -- The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) has come under sharp criticism for putting 40-square-yard plots reserved for the economically weaker section (EWS) on open e-auction, allowing anyone to bid despite the plots being meant exclusively for poor families. As many as 12 such plots were listed for e-auction at a reserve price of Rs.60,000 for which Thursday was the last day.

Residents say the move defeats the objective of providing affordable housing to the weaker sections of society. "These plots were meant for poor families who cannot afford land in the open market. If the Trust sells them through open bidding, only financially stronger buyers will benefit," said Ashish, a resident of the area.

The Shaheed Bhagat Sin...