With elections fast-approaching in the national Capital, the ruling BJP in the North Delhi Municipal Corporation offered a poll sop to retain its traditional vote bank of trading community in the Old Delhi.
The Corporation on Thursday exempted thousands of commercial properties in and around Chandni Chowk that existed before 1962 from conversion and parking charges. The move came as a great relief for these properties owners as their properties would no longer face the threat of sealing.
Before announcing the exemption, the NDMC had sought opinion of the Solicitor General in the matter. He had suggested that such properties were not liable to pay any conversion charges.
The property owners will now have to furnish an affidavit claiming that their business had been running in the areas since prior to 1962. For the properties not in commercial areas, the owners would have to provide proof of the history of their business to claim the waiver. Such owners who have been doing commercial activities prior to 1962 would have provide proofs like trade licence, house tax paid at commercial rate, electricity and power bills paid at commercial rate among others. Commissioner of the North Delhi Municipal Corporation PK Gupta said action against the business establishments in the commercial areas notified in 1962 has been suspended following suggestions of the Additional Solicitor General.
The move comes as a big relief for thousands of traders in areas like Chandni CHowk, Jama Masjid, Chawri Bazar, Ajmeri Gate, Fatehpuri, lajpat Rai Market, Kashmere Gate and Mori Gate among others. According to the Corporation, traders in over 20 markets will be benefited by the decision. Announcement to this effect was made on Thursday in a joint Press conference of Mayor Azad Singh, Standing Committee Chairman Ram KIshan Singhal and leader of House Mahendra Nagpal.
“The NDMC will not charge any conversion or parking charge from the commercial areas in existence prior to 1962 and enlisted in the MPD-2021. The orders in this regard have been issued and sent to the Deputy Commissioner concerned for further necessary action,” they said.