Centre Announces Subsidized Land Rates for Public Utilities in Delhi
Response to Arvind Kejriwal Government's Complaint
The Union Urban Development Minister, M Venkaiah Naidu, announced on Monday that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will allocate land for hospitals, government offices, and night shelters at a nominal rate of Rs 1 per annum. This decision comes in response to a major complaint lodged by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government regarding the scarcity of plots for such essential facilities.
Key Highlights of the Subsidized Land Rates
- Health Services: Plots for hospitals, medical colleges, and dispensaries controlled by the city or central governments will be available at Rs 1 per annum.
- Government Offices: The Delhi government will procure land from DDA at the Zonal Variant Rate (ZVR) for offices, ranging between Rs 23,490 to Rs 52,853 per square meter, significantly reduced from the previous market rates of Rs 1,82,400 to Rs 6,72,000 per square meter (applicable for the years 2014-2015 and 2015-2016).
- Schools and Staff Quarters: Rates for local bodies have been slashed from Rs 31,000 to Rs 75,700 per square meter to just Rs 1 per annum, equivalent to 10% of the residential rates.
- Burial Grounds, Roads, and Community Spaces: Lands for graveyards, roads, crematoria, parks, playgrounds, drainage, and water supply for DDA colonies will be allotted at either a minimal cost of Rs 1 per annum or completely free.
Minister's Quote
As stated by M Venkaiah Naidu, 'The Centre has decided to allot plots for public utilities and services at minimal rates, addressing the pressing needs of the Delhi government.'