Owners 'voluntarily' applying for building regularisation: Minister

Hyderabad, Aug 29 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration Minister K Ranga Rao today informed the State Assembly that Rs 439.25 crore was collected by various Municipalities as penal charges for regularisation of unauthorised construction of buildings in the state.

Replying to K Subbarayudu and other TDP members during Question hour, he denied any harassment of building owners as claimed by the opposition members.

He also rebutted the opposition's charge that the Government was trying to increase its revenue by collecting penal amounts compulsorily even from the structures constructed as per regulations.

The main opposition parties TDP and CPI(M) registered their protest over alleged ''harassment'' of building owners for violations committed by builders in ''collusion'' with officials, after providing civic amenities, including water and electricity to such buildings.

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