Builders, realtors take out rallies protesting proposed Jantri rate hikes across Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Builders, realtors, and developers across Gujarat are protesting the state government’s proposed hike in Jantri rates, warning of a sharp rise in property prices. While the government has extended the deadline for submitting objections by a month, CREDAI has called for offline submission options and demanded a complete rollback of the hike. Industry leaders caution that implementing the revised rates could lead to a 30-40% increase in property prices, making homeownership unaffordable for many. Protests took place today in cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara, and Surat, with rallies organized to voice opposition.

In Rajkot, builders staged a silent march and submitted a petition to the District Collector, urging a reversal of the hike and a postponement of its implementation until March 31. Local developers argue that the industry, already struggling after the TRP Game Zone fire incident, cannot bear such a sharp increase. Similarly, protests in Vadodara saw developers challenging the hike as disconnected from market realities. They warned of a potential 50-100% surge in property costs, further escalating the affordability crisis.

Surat’s developers have also submitted petitions, criticizing the lack of transparency in the rate hike process. CREDAI Surat President Jignesh Patel expressed concern that the increase could derail affordable housing initiatives. The protests are expected to culminate at the Gujarat Builder Conference on January 3, where stakeholders plan to present their grievances to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other officials, seeking to avert economic and housing disruptions.

CREDAI Surat President Jignesh Patel stated that the government’s decision is inappropriate, as the Jantri rate hike will significantly impact the real estate sector. He emphasized that the increase will burden both builders and homebuyers, making property ownership expensive for ordinary families. Patel reiterated that CREDAI has been raising objections and highlighted the importance of the Gujarat Builder Conference, where builders and stakeholders from across the state will gather. The event, expected to be attended by the Chief Minister and relevant ministers, will provide a platform to present their concerns. Patel added that this move contradicts the Prime Minister’s vision of affordable housing for the common and underprivileged sections of society. DeshGujarat