MCD holding consultations with councillors on conversion charges

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) Responding to widespread criticism to proposed levy of heavy conversion charges on owners of commercial properties in residential areas in the amended Master Plan 2001, the Congress-led MCD today said it was holding consultation among councillors on the quantum of charges and would write to the Centre to fix them at the minimal level.

''We are ascertaining the views of various MCD councillors on the quantum of conversion charges to be fixed for using a residential property for commercial purposes. After taking their views we will write to the Centre urging them to fix the charges at the minimum level,''Leader of the MCD House Jitender Kochar told mediapersons here.

Standing Committee Chairman Jaikishen Sharma said the Congress will do everything possible for welfare of the citizens/traders.

Earlier, Leader of the Opposition in the MCD Subhash Arya and Member Standing committee Vijender Gupta, in a joint statement, said proposed levying of hefty conversion charges for regularisation of commercial/mixed use properties, under the amended Master Plan 2001 would put an extra burden on the citizens.

''Congress is hell bent upon levying annual conversion charges for regularisation which will put additional burden on the citizens.

Category A and B will be charged Rs 2300 per sq m, C and D Rs 1533 per sq m and E, F and G Rs 575 per sq m which is unjustified,''Mr Arya and Mr Gupta said.

Mr Arya said due to limited financial resources, majority of citizens have constructed their houses 42 to 50 years ago.

Thereafter they started using a part of their premises for commercial purposes so as to earn a livelihood.

''Since the Government has failed to solve the housing problem, citizens have constructed additional floors to resolve problem of their increasing family,''Mr Arya said.

He demanded that reasonable one time charges be fixed for regularisation since imposition of conversion charges on their own is unjustified. If conversion charges are charged one time, then people will get relief after paying them.

At the same time, he also demanded that all shops and houses sealed till now be de-sealed immediately and rights of de-sealing be given at the zonal level.

UNI AR SHB RAI2010