Residents of Noida’s Skytech Matrott protest delay in occupancy papers

Around 400 residents of Skytech Matrott residential complex in Sector 76 took out a peace march on Sunday morning, demanding the builders to provide them occupation certificates.

Around 400 residents of Skytech Matrott residential complex in Sector 76 took out a peace march on Sunday morning, demanding the builders to provide them occupation certificates (OC).

There are 11 towers, with a total of 700 flats, in the complex. Of the 700 flats, 500 have been occupied by residents, who bought the flats in 2013. (Salman Ali/HT Photo)

There are 11 towers, with a total of 700 flats, in the complex. Of the 700 flats, 500 have been occupied by residents, who bought the flats in 2013.

In the wake of the proposed 10% hike in circle rate and 2% stamp duty hike in Gautam Budh Nagar, residents said the negligent attitude of the builder is going to cost them more.

“The builders have already taken Rs 2 lakh from each of us for the OC. We were given possession six months ago and we have been demanding OC since Day 1. They have been delaying the process by giving excuses and now we will have to pay extra if the increased rate in stamp duty is applied,” Dr Gurpreet Singh, a resident, said.

Residents allege that the builder has been charging excessive maintenance, security and electricity charges, despite failing to provide quality service.

“We were promised the moon when we took possession but now, the lifts break down every other day. There are only seven security guards in the morning and eight in the evening to monitor 11 towers. We pay Rs 18 per unit of electricity backup and Rs 2.35 per sq ft for maintenance, yet the service is poor,” Singh said.

However, Skytech Matrott builders refuted the allegations, saying that the residents are creating ‘nuisance’ by ‘bogus’ protests.

“I have completed all the formalities and applied for OC. Now it is up to the Noida authority to provide me the certificate. I am not responsible for the administration hiking stamp duty. This is a bogus protest by residents to create nuisance. They are not willing to be patient and trust us,” Mayank Chawla, a director with Skytech Matrott group, said.