Crores Lost as 84 Government Houses Lie Vacant in Udaipur
Neglect by Central Excise & Customs Department turns housing assets into criminal hideouts
Udaipur/The Government of India is reportedly losing crores of rupees due to the prolonged vacancy and neglect of 84 houses purchased by the Central Excise and Customs Department from the Rajasthan Housing Board in Udaipur, the scenic lake city of southern Rajasthan. Originally acquired to accommodate officers and staff transferred from across the country, these homes have remained unoccupied for over three years and are now in a dilapidated and dangerous condition.
Background of the Purchase
In 1997, the Central Excise and Customs Department, under the Ministry of Finance, established its office in Udaipur, initially operating from a rented premise in Bhattji Ki Bari. In 2014, the department shifted to its own office building in Hiran Magri Sector-11.
To resolve the housing needs of transferred officials, the department finalized a scheme in collaboration with the Rajasthan Housing Board to purchase residential units. As part of this initiative, 84 homes of HIG and other categories were bought in Hiran Magri Sector-14 and other areas of the city. These houses were worth several crores and handed over in a furnished condition. However, due to bureaucratic negligence and lack of planning, no officials or employees ever moved into these homes.
Double Loss to the Government
Ironically, while these homes lay vacant, the officials have continued to live in private rental accommodations and have been claiming House Rent Allowance (HRA) from the central exchequer. This has led to a double financial burden on the Government of India: on one hand, crores spent on the unused housing infrastructure and on the other, continued expenditure on rental allowances.
Despite interventions by the then State Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria, regional MPs, and other public representatives, which led to the repair and allotment of around ten houses to junior staff, the majority remain unutilized and increasingly vandalized.
Criminal Negligence & Public Danger
The vacant houses have now become dens of criminal activity. Thieves have looted the structures—stealing doors, windows, fans, taps, electrical fittings, and more. These homes have also become shelters for alcoholics, drug addicts, and even stray animals, putting the lives of nearby residents at risk.
Locals report a rise in thefts, drug abuse, and public safety concerns due to these deserted homes. Wildlife including snakes and scorpions have been sighted in the area, endangering children and families living nearby. Residents have made multiple complaints to local authorities, the police, and government officials, but the issue remains unresolved.
An Ugly Stain on the City's Face
In a city internationally known for its beauty and heritage, these deserted and damaged government houses stand as a stain on Udaipur's image. What was once a promising solution for official housing has now become a symbol of administrative failure and wastage of public funds. Immediate intervention from the Union Finance Ministry and enforcement agencies is urgently needed to address this growing civic crisis.
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