VK Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, has approved upgrading primary and middle schools in the capital to senior secondary level without paying any additional charges to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The decision follows a high court order.

Giving details on Saturday, the LG's office, noted converting or upgrading primary and middle schools to senior secondary schools has become easier in Delhi now.

The decision comes as a relief to registered societies, which are exempted from Income Tax, and are running schools in the national capital. The decision will exempt societies and schools from paying additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges, in the process, liberating them from red tape and the harassment of running around to the education department and the DDA.

The LG has also directed that the DDA modifies its lease deeds with the societies to this effect. Accordingly, the DDA has issued a SoP for conversion or upgrading primary and middle schools to senior secondary schools.  As per the SoP, while such schools will be able to avail the additional FAR for such upgrades, they will not be required to pay any charges for the same.

As per the SoP issued by the DDA, societies and schools will now have to apply for a no objection certificate with the authority for availing of additional FAR. They will also require permission of the state education department for upgrading from primary and secondary to secondary and senior secondary level, certificate of Income Tax exemption and certificate of affiliation from education boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or theIndian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), etc.

The DDA will thereafter ascertain whether the applicant has any pending dues towards ground rent, etc. and whether any additional area has been occupied. Subsequently, the authority will provide NOC for upgrades without any additional FAR charges.