New Delhi: The standoff between the Delhi
Government and the Lieutenant Governor over fixing minimum
rates for sale and purchase of properties in different areas
today showed no signs of easing amid indications that the
Cabinet is still sticking to its stand.
Highly placed sources said that the Cabinet is likely to
meet again over what is known as circle rates for the Capital
and take a final decision in the matter, which has become a
bone of contention between Lt Governor Tejendra Khanna and
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
The state government was not keen to accept any of the
recommendations made by Khanna, they added.
"We have so many options to deal with the issue. We are
not at all happy the way Lt Governor has handled the issue. If
there are differences of opinion, then he could have invited
the Chief Minister for a discussion," top government sources
told PTI, indicating a tough stand on the issue.
They said in the Cabinet, majority of the Ministers told
Dikshit that the government should not backtrack and heed to
the recommendations of Khanna.
"It has become a political issue. We are not giving up,"
a Minister said.
Khanna has refused to approve the proposed rate and
suggested that circle rates should be increased further in top
colonies whereas rates should be slashed in areas where basic
infrastructure is not up to the mark.
Sources in the Lt Governor`s office said Khanna was "well
within his right" to reject the Cabinet decision. They said if
Cabinet sticks to its earlier position and sends back the file
without any changes, then Khanna has the option of referring
the file to Union Home Ministry for suggestion and
recommendation.
"If differences persist, then the issue can be referred
to the Centre," he said, also indicating a strong stand on
the matter.
Khanna had twice returned the file pertaining to it
insisting that his recommendations for revision of the rate
for certain colonies should be accepted by the government.
However, officials in Revenue Department asserted that
the state government was not bound to send the file again to
the Lt Governor and it has power to issue notification for
implementing the Cabinet decision.
The Cabinet had fixed Rs 9,000 per sq m as the lowest
rate while the upper limit will be Rs 1,25,000 per sq m.
According to the revised rates, Rs 1.25 lakh per sq m
has been fixed for posh colonies like Defence Colony, Greater
Kailash, Gulmohar Park, Panchsheel Enclave, Anandlok, Green
Park, Hauz Khas and Nehru Place.
PTI
