Bawana industrialists want plots converted to freehold type

In a press conference held on Sunday, Bawana Chamber of Industries has alleged that the Delhi government’s policy of allotment of industrial plots to them on the basis of lease hold is discriminatory and is harassment on part of the bureaucracy. The industrialists alleged that they were cheated by the government and reiterated their demand to convert their industrial plots from lease hold to free hold.

“In the whole of Delhi, the government has the policy of free hold industrial plots but we are facing discrimination. It was only after we took over the possession, constructed the buildings and started business that the Delhi government decided upon our status to be lease hold,” said Prakash Chand Jain, chairman, Bawana Chamber of Industries.

Reacting upon a leaked letter written by Industry secretary Shukantala Gamlin to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, the minister for Industries Satyender Kumar Jain said: “Instead of replying to me why is the concerned officer writing to the L-G and leaking it before the media?” He further added: “What should I do if a representation approaches me? I referred the case to the secretary to prepare a note.”

The allotment process of the industrial plots in Bawana started in 1996 as a scheme of the government to relocate small and medium industries from residential areas of the city. Out of the 17,000 plots in Bawana, more than eight thousand are of 100sq mtr area each, up on which, 60 per cent Floor Area Ratio (FAR) was granted. “After deducting the area of the walls, the staircase, etc, only 32 sq mtr of area remains as working area. One can easily assess the capability of an entrepreneur to influence the corridors of power,” argued Prakash Chand Jain.

The industrialists claim that they paid the full amount of the acquisition cost and development charges at the time of allotment. “We were assured of free hold status in three years after allotment but over 10 years have passed and we are still waiting for the fulfilment of the promise,” he added.

The association claimed that they had first approached Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the last few days of his previous 49-day tenure, but the issue could not be resolved. They again started pressing for it after he took over in February.

The opposition parties, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress, however demanded for an inquiry into the matter. Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay demanded that the Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung order an inquiry into the matter. “This exposes Kejriwal government’s double standards and also on why he was opposed to the appointment of Gaamlin as care-taker chief secretary, who had earlier objected to the government’s illegal acts,” said Upadhyay.