BHUBANESWAR: State govt has initiated the process to appoint a new chairperson of Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) after the premature exit of Siddhanta Das, who left the post on Feb 28.
The housing and urban development department has issued a letter to the principal secretary of law department, asking him to attend the first meeting of the selection committee formed for appointing the chairperson and members of ORERA.
“I am directed to say that the chairman of the selection committee, Justice M S Sahoo, judge of Orissa high court, has been pleased to fix a meeting of the selection committee on March 11 for finalising the modalities regarding the appointment of chairpersons and members of ORERA,” the letter read.
TOI had reported on March 1 how the resignation of Das had made the ORERA nearly defunct, creating problems for homebuyers as well as builders. In the absence of the chairperson, the remaining two-member ORERA bench couldn’t sit for any case hearing.
As per the rule, as and when vacancies of chairperson or any other member in the authority exists or arises, or are likely to arise, the govt may make a reference to the selection committee in respect of the vacancies to be filled as per provisions of Section 21 of the RERA Act.
Real estate experts said that the govt was aware of the exit of Das and should have initiated the process for appointment much earlier. “Better late than never. Let’s hope we get a new chairperson soon,” real estate expert Bimalendu Pradhan said.
City-based realtor Sangram Nayak also expressed satisfaction over the initiation of the appointment process for the chairperson. “Homebuyers and realtors have faith in ORERA. It should actively continue the case hearings and other activities,” he said.
After the finalisation of the appointment, ORERA will get its third chairperson since the body was established in 2016-17. The first chairperson was Amiya Mohapatra.
As per the qualification, the chairperson should have at least 20 years of experience in real estate, urban development and housing. Once appointed, the chairperson will hold office for five years or may resign in case of any exigency.
