Since the average urban population in Gujarat is much higher than India’s national average, the state government has a huge responsibility, in terms of offering housing to its citizens at affordable rates, especially to the marginalised sections of the society. Towards achieving that goal, the Gujarat government established the Gujarat Housing Board (GHB), under the Gujarat Housing Board Act, 1961.
The board was established throughout the key cities of Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Bhuj, Vapi, Bharuch, Veraval, Porbandar, Gandhidham, etc.
Gujarat Housing Board functions
Since its inception, the GHB has largely been engaged in building homes and allotting land parcels for projects focused towards providing housing to the economically weaker sections (EWS), the low-income groups (LIG) and people from the below poverty line (BPL) section. Over time, the Board has also started to develop high-rises in some cities, replete with all modern amenities.
In 2018, the Gujarat government also cleared an ordinance to amend the Gujarat Housing Board Act, 1961, to allow redevelopment of GHB’s old housing societies. After the change, the Board can redevelop buildings that are older than 25 years, with the consent of 75% of members. Till 2018, the GHB had built over 700 housing societies across Gujarat. A large number of these buildings are over 25 years old.
To meet its objectives, the GHB, from time to time, announces schemes to build new projects or redevelop old ones. Citizens in Gujarat can follow this news on the official portal of the GHB, https://gujarathousingboard.gujarat.gov.in/.
Users should be mindful of the fact that most of the content on the website is in the Gujarati language.
See also: How E-Dhara has changed Gujarat land records system
How are Gujarat Housing Board homes allotted?
The GHB allocates units through a draw of lots system. To make the procedure transparent, the computerised draws are now conducted by NIC in the presence of the applicants concerned.
Issues with GHB homes
Owing to issues with the quality of construction, a large number of housing units built by the GHB are currently lying vacant, in spite of the general housing shortage. Latest data show that over 8,000 constructed apartments of the Gujarat Housing Board are lying vacant, at present. In order to use this stock gainfully, the state government has decided to offer these units for rental purposes, in a move that would also boost Gujarat’s rental housing market.
See also: Stamp duty and registration charges in Gujarat
Gujarat Housing Board Ahmedabad contact details
The head office of the GHB is:
Office Of The Gujarat Housing Board, Nr Pragtinagar, Naranpura, Ahmedabad – 380013.
Info. regarding: Bharuch pin code
FAQ
What is Gujarat Housing Board Ahmedabad Gota Scheme?
The GHB’s Gota Ahmedabad Scheme is an upcoming project to allot 264 dwelling units for which the planning is in progress.
What is Gujarat Housing Board website?
The GHB’s website is https://gujarathousingboard.gujarat.gov.in/
