NEW DELHI: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Friday approved changes to the city's Master Plan - in a move to provide relief to traders hit by the sealing drive. The changes were suggested by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal.
The proposals were of higher floor area ratios (FAR), reduced conversion charges and regularising agricultural godowns — to amend Master Plan 2021. The move is expected to provide relief to traders from the on-going sealing of commercial establishments.
The meeting was chaired by LG Anil Baijal who is also the DDA chairman. Despite the concessions, the agitating shop owners decided to continue their stir against sealing. Shops in major markets across Delhi remained closed on Friday as businessmen extended "full support" to the call for a two-day bandh by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) against the recent sealing drive.
The sealing drive is on against business establishments using residential areas for commercial purposes without paying conversion charges. According to the proposed amendments, there will be a reduction in conversion charge penalties from existing 10 times to two times.
DDA member and AAP MLA Somnath Bharti, addressing party supporters after the meeting, said the changes happened due to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's "struggle". "It was due to AAP's struggle that traders got this relief," he said. Bharti added that the government and the party are thankful to LG Anil Baijal for accepting all the proposals.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition of Delhi Vijender Gupta said "The board has approved these changes. They will now be put in the public domain for three days and a meeting will be called after that," BJP MLA.
However, CAIT members said that shops will stay closed on Saturday as well because the whole process is long drawn and the traders will not get any immediate relief.