By IANS
New Delhi : Thousands of slum dwellers and street vendors in the national capital Friday breathed a sigh of relief as did the owners of some farmhouses, schools and dispensaries with the central government clearing an ordinance that gives a one-year moratorium on any action against encroachments by them.
The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh approved promulgation of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Ordinance, 2007, to grant temporary relief from forcible action against such "unauthorised development".
Informational and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dashmunsi told reporters that the ordinance will give a one-year reprieve to those who invited action for construction beyond permissible limits, including in schools, dispensaries, religious institutions and cultural institutions in rural areas built on agricultural land.
Dashmunsi said a bill would be brought in the monsoon session of parliament to replace the ordinance.
Reacting to the development Praveen Khandelwal secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said: "We are partially relieved. We know it will give respite to some sections of people but all traders should have been given the same level of benefit."
"The new Delhi Master Plan – 2021 has not given security to all the traders of the city. We are expecting some reprieve to those not covered by the master plan," Khandelwal added.
The new master plan that came into effect earlier this year had given relief to traders operating in nearly 2,300 roads.
"We request the urban development ministry to provide amnesty to all traders in the city from the Supreme Court mandated sealing drive (against illegal buildings) in the capital city."
Dashmunsi said the step was being taken to avoid undue hardship for people and also allow for a balanced and well-considered view on policies involving such unauthorised development and help formulate schemes to address them.
The Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act 2006 that provided a one-year moratorium on sealing and demolitions in the capital, lapsed on May 19.
However, the ordinance will not give any respite to upscale Sainik Farms, where civic authorities are carrying out a demolition against illegal construction. It would also not be applicable for commercial buildings that violate guidelines of the Delhi Master Plan – 2021.