The Hindu 08.02.2011
Development charge to be levied in unauthorised colonies
Delhi Cabinet approves charging Rs.200 per square metre
The recommendation of the Group of Ministers to levy Rs.200 per square metre as development charge for regularisation of unauthorised colonies was on Monday approved by the Delhi Cabinet.
Earlier, a committee constituted by the Cabinet under the chairmanship of Delhi Urban Development Minister A. K. Walia and comprising PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan, Education Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely and Social Welfare Minister Mangat Ram Singhal had finalised and submitted its recommendations.
The committee had decided to levy a low development charge in view of the economic profile of most residents of these colonies.
A release issued by the Delhi Government said that to provide further relief to the owners, it has been decided that they will be allowed to make the payment within 90 days of the notification of regularisation. It has also been decided that interest at the rate of 10 per cent per annum would be levied in case the charges are paid after expiry of one year.
To facilitate payment of the charges in the colonies itself, the residents' welfare association would be allowed to collect and deposit them in a special cell to be constituted in the Urban Development Department.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has also been told to expedite finalisation of lay-out plans of unauthorised colonies to enable the Delhi Government to accelerate their regularisation process.
The Chief Minister said to streamline the functioning of streetlights, the power distribution companies are also being directed to pay proper attention to their maintenance and functioning.
