The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena, has approved a much-needed draft policy aimed at streamlining the interdepartmental allocation of land within the National Capital Territory. This policy, applicable to both subordinate departments and autonomous bodies, comes into immediate effect and addresses a long-standing issue that often led to delays in critical projects.
Previously, the absence of a uniform approach to land allocation between government entities resulted in bureaucratic hurdles and extended waiting periods. Files pertaining to land allotment would often circulate between different departments and agencies for years, hindering the execution of crucial initiatives.
The newly formulated policy seeks to eliminate these bottlenecks. It establishes the Land and Building Department as the central authority overseeing the implementation process. Additionally, the policy empowers the Land Owning Agency and the Allottee Agency to jointly determine the nature of the allotment, including leasehold or freehold options.
Addressing concerns regarding transparency and accountability, the policy mandates the Land and Justice Department to incorporate specific clauses ensuring meticulous record-keeping of all land transfers and allotments. This will guarantee long-term transparency and efficient management of land resources within the Delhi administration.
Furthermore, the policy outlines a clear framework for determining land allocation rates. For public utility projects, the land shall be provided free of charge, provided the allotting agency already possesses it. However, if the land was acquired at a cost, the rate will be determined on a "no-profit, no-loss" basis, similar to practices observed in Delhi Development Authority (DDA) land allotments.
The Lieutenant Governor's office expressed confidence that this policy will significantly expedite the execution of development projects within Delhi. By eliminating bureaucratic delays and establishing a transparent framework, the new policy is expected to contribute to the efficient utilization of land resources and foster faster development in the national capital.