Centre asks Delhi govt, DDA, MCDs to sort out issues

In an attempt to streamline the implementation of land pooling policy regulations’ notification, the Centre has asked the Delhi government, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporations to sort out long-pending issues at the earliest. 

During a high-level meeting chaired by Urban Development Secretary Rajiv Gauba, senior officials of all the departments discussed key issues like notification of 89 villages as urban areas by North MCD (50 villages) and South MCD (39 villages). 

At the meeting, other key issues which were discussed include notification of a total of 95 villages as urban development areas, transfer of about 12 per cent of developed land to the Delhi government, waiver of stamp duty on transfer of developed land by DDA to farmers/promoters and verification of ‘Sajra’ maps for these villages by local authorities.

While North and South municipal bodies have passed resolutions for notifying 89 villages as urban areas, the Delhi government has sought some clarifications regarding provision of civic amenities in the developed areas. Both the MCDs have been asked by the ministry to expedite their reply to the Delhi government.

The DDA in the meeting stated that transfer of developed land would be provided to the Delhi government on a need basis as is being done now in accordance with the Master Plan of Delhi.

The Delhi government was requested to consider the issue of waiver of stamp duty on transfer of developed land to farmers/developers. It was also requested to expedite notification of the villages as urban areas and development areas. 

The Delhi government assured that local revenue officials would at the earliest verify the ‘Sajra’ maps of these villages falling under land pooling ambit, the Urban Development Ministry said in its official release.

The Centre had notified the land pooling policy (LPP) for the national Capital on May 26 last year, but it is yet to be cleared by the Delhi government. 

Under the policy, land parcels owned by individuals or groups are legally consolidated by transfer of ownership rights to the designated land pooling agency. The agency then transfers ownership of part of the land back to the landowners for developing such areas.