Delhi Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin reprimanded those in power who hold out sops and assurances for weaker sections of society for short-term electoral gains.
Justice Sarin has asked Lt Governor, to ensure the feasibility of such welfare schemes prior to their announcement. And a thorough evaluation of their workability and implementation within a specified time frame should also be made beforehand, added Justice Sarin.
Justice Sarin discharged a notice, issued to Anjana Pracha, municipal councillor, which is awaiting government’s approval for granting freehold ownership rights to allottees/occupants of jhuggi jhopri colonies.
Pracha, one of the 60 public functionaries allegedly having unauthorised construction in their premises, was issued notice by Justice Sarin on an information provided by municipal councillor Preeti Behn.
According to a standard plan applicable to jhuggi jhopri colony in Trilokpuri where Pracha lives, only ground floor and half of first floor can be constructed. But she was having two and a half floors of construction in her premises.
During the hearing before Lokayukta, it was submitted that Delhi government has framed a policy to grant freehold ownership rights for allottees/occupants of jhuggi jhopri colonies.
Justice Sarin asked MCD to revive the proceedings if conversion to freehold is not allowed within two years or if Pracha fails to remove the non-compoundable portion.
Cases that involve central government’s approval should be highlighted so that citizens fully understand and comprehend the limitation or conditional nature of such schemes, said Justice Sarin.