Statement by CM reflects her lack of knowledge of 2021 MPD: Mayor

New Delhi, Apr 7 (UNI) Criticising the statement by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit that MCD was illegally collecting one time parking fee from Delhiites along with conversion charges in the newly declared mixed-land use areas, Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra today said the statement reflected her lack of knowledge of the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi.

In a letter to the Chief Minister, Ms Mehra also criticised the statement in which the Chief Minister has said that there has utter confusion as the MCD did not make things clear when it started collecting the parking charges.

''It has been alleged by the Chief Minister that MCD was illegally collecting one time parking fee from Delhiites along with the conversion charges in the newly declared mixed-land use areas. She had said in her statement that the DMC Act does not provide for one time parking charges,'' the Mayor said.

The Mayor said in the letter that it was shocking to read the statement of Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf questioning - Why should MCD be charging parking fee with the conversion charges when already the people pay it at the time of registration of vehicles.

''Delhi SC/ST Welfare Board Chairperson and MLA Rajesh Lilothia has gone to the extent of saying that this is a scam and it needs a thorough probe,'' the Mayor said.

''The above statements clearly reflect the lack of knowledge on the part of the Chief Minister, the Transport Minister and MLAs of the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi. It is ridiculous to say that this is a scam and it should be rolled back. In compliance of the provisions of the Master Plan as well as the Notification issued by the DDA on June 22 last year, the owner/ allottee/resident/user of the plot/dwelling unit under the mixed land use is also liable to pay one time charges for development of parking.

According the rate for one ECS per 50 sq mtr of plot area is Rs 2,10,500 for A and B Category of Colonies, Rs 1,49,750 for C and D Category of Colonies and Rs 66,500 for E, F and G Category of Colonies.'' The Notification provided that out of total One Time Charges for development of Parking, 1/3rd shall be paid on or before June 30 last year and the remaining 2/3rd by March 31.

It further said that no development charges for parking shall be payable by small shop owners of area up to 20 sq mtr dealing with the items/activites as defined in para 15.6.3 of the Master Plan for Delhi - 2021 in respect of any category of colonies.

The Notification stipulated that the development charges for parking shall also not be payable by owner/allottee/resident/user of plot/ dwelling units falling under notified pedestrian shopping streets.

In her letter to the Chief Minister, the Mayor highlighted that the MCD had issued a detailed press release on the subject the very next day i.e. on June 23. She informed that MCD had also issued a detailed public notice highlighting the matter. It was published in leading English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi newspapers on June 24.

'' No other organisation could have acted in more swifter way than MCD (in clarifying the whole issue),'' she said.

The Mayor said that the whole issue smacked of prejudice and lack of understanding of the subject relating to the MCD.

''It would be appreciated if the Delhi government focuses on the areas relating to its own activities and not maddle in the affairs of the MCD. At the same time, it should seek clarification with civic issues relating to MCD if need be. Going to media in this manner without verification of facts speaks of casual and prejudicial attitude of Delhi government towards MCD, '' Ms Mehra said.

UNI AR SP HS2017