Overstaying in government accommodation will invite trouble

Those who overstay in government accommodation even after they cease to hold official position will face strong action as the Centre has decided to tighten the existing rules.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved changes to the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act to grant more power to officials to take action against people who overstay in their official accommodation.

The proposed law is applicable to those staying in the Central government accommodations including Union ministers, officials, leading artists and journalists.

At present, taking advantage of the loopholes in the existing law, some people take recourse to courts to continue to stay in their official accommodations even after they retire from service or cease to hold their official position.

Penalties
The proposed amendments are aimed at fast-tracking their removal and they will have to pay penalties for overstay, Power Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

An estate officer, as per the new rules, will not need to follow “elaborate procedures” and can even make an order for the eviction of such persons.