The Hindu : New Delhi News : Colony-wise sealing criteria raises eyebrows

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Wednesday, Oct 04, 2006
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New Delhi

Colony-wise sealing criteria raises eyebrows

Sandeep Joshi

Scepticism over the move as a committee for re-evaluation of colonies is on the job

NEW DELHI: With the Delhi Government notifying a three-member committee for re-evaluation of colonies for collection of property tax under the Unit Area Method, leaders and officials in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi are sceptical over the colony-wise criteria formulated to carry out the sealing drive against illegal commercial establishments in the Capital.

"The Supreme Court has decided not to give any relief to showrooms and shops falling in `A' and `B' category colonies. But the fact is that many residents' welfare associations and individuals of these colonies have written to us demanding downgrading of their colonies. In such a scenario, going ahead with the sealing drive by colony-wise classification might further complicate things," said a senior MCD official.

The Unit Area Method was introduced in 2004 with a provision for its re-evaluation every three years. Based on the quality of civic amenities provided by the MCD, 1,985 colonies were divided into eight categories from `A' (posh colonies) to `H' (rural villages) with the unit area value ranging from Rs.630 per sq. metre to Rs.100 per sq. metre.

Now the committee, headed by former IAS officer Prakash Chandra with two senior officials as its members, one each from the Union Urban Development Ministry and the MCD, will look into the demands and suggestions made by the MCD and other stakeholders. It is likely to submit its report next month.

Immediately after the implementation of the new method of property tax collection, the MCD had to face stiff opposition from residents across the Capital demanding downgrading of several colonies. "A large number of Residents' Welfare Associations, public representatives and the public had petitioned us to downgrade their colonies. This demand has been continuing and many `A' and `B' category colonies have also urged lowering the category of their colonies," say officials.

If the new committee decides on downgrading of `A' and `B' category colonies, then what would happen to those shops being targeted under the sealing drive? "It might also lead to legal problems for the civic body," say officials. At present there are 28 colonies in `A' category and 53 in `B' category that include areas alike Green Park, Greater Kailash, South Extension, New Friends Colony, Maharani Bagh, Panchsheel Park, Defence Colony, Hauz Khas, Vasant Vihar and Vasant Kunj.

This matter has also been raised by municipal councillors at the civic body's Standing Committee. They have also urged Municipal Commissioner A. K. Nigam to raise this issue before the Supreme Court and the Monitoring Committee appointed by it. "Continuing the drive as per the classification of colonies under the Unit Area Method might complicate the situation. We should evolve some proper mechanism for this before carrying out any action," says a senior Congress councillor.

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