'Breather for Delhi unauthorised structures only for a year'

Bangalore, May 25 (UNI) The Bill passed by the Union Government giving a breather to owners of illegal constructions in New Delhi against its sealing and demolition was only for an year and nobody should expect an extension, Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy said today.

''The courts should not be blamed in this regard. Delhi was left to grow without any plan and no one seemed to bother what was happening and what will be its consequences. Outdated mindset of the administrators in local bodies in the country should change,'' he said, speaking at a Conference on Urban Development here.

Mr Reddy expressed dissapointment over the failure of the administrators of local bodies in the country to understand the implications of unrestricted development of urban areas. ''Nobody seems to bother whether we are prepared for such a fast growth.

There is neither proper planning nor anticipation of the problems such unplanned growth could bring,'' he added.

On the agitation launched by medicos and professionals over the proposed 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in higher education, he claimed that the solution provided by the UPA Government should satisfy both the people and students of all sections of the society.

UNI RS GD SB VV1524