The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday decided to increase transfer duty on properties by a percentage point.
“On July 10, Delhi government approved an increase in transfer duty rates in MCD. To bring parity, NDMC proposes to execute the transfer duty at a similar rate. The modified rates in case of women and the third gender will increase from 2% to 3% while for men, the increase will be from 3% to 4%,” said NDMC vice-chairman Satish Upadhyay.
The hike, effective August 1, will be applicable to registration of all immovable properties, irrespective of the value. “After increasing transfer duty, NDMC will generate additional revenue of Rs 18-20 crore each year,” said Upadhyay.
A NDMC official said the increase won’t result in a hike in property tax rates, as there are fewer private properties under its areas compared to the rest of Delhi.
The council also approved Rs 6.4 crore for mechanised housekeeping works at Palika Bazar, Yashwant Place, Chanakya Bhawan, Palika Bhawan, Mohan Singh Place, among others. “Officials received the project bid, which has been placed before the council for approval. We have given the nod and the process will be implemented soon,” said NDMC member Kuljeet Chahal.
With regard to mechanisation of cleaning and sweeping in Connaught Place, Upadhyay said they invited bids but called the tender again as there was no satisfying response. “In the case of Hanuman Mandir complex, we are successfully implementing it,” he added.
The council also decided to regularise at least 900 contractual workers in various departments. It also gave administrative approval to transfer five acres of the Okhla compost plant to MCD to develop solid waste management facilities.
Meanwhile, a censure motion was passed by BJP members against chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over “failure” to control the flood situation in the city and non-availability of drinking water for four-five days in NDMC area.
“The CM is the chairman of the apex committee on flood control for preparation of monsoon season. But he couldn’t call any meeting, which is why Delhi and NDMC areas were waterlogged. When he was asked about these issues, he left without answering,” said Chahal.
AAP released a statement saying, “BJP has no work to do. Everyone knows how it looted MCD in 15 years. The party’s condition is like a thief scolding a police officer. All scams during its tenure will be probed and many of its leaders will go to jail.”
