Jaipur development body allotted cheaper land to 299 bodies since 1982

JAIPUR: In past 38 years, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has allotted land at concessional rate to 299 organisations for various purposes.

A recent report compiled by the civic body has data of land allotment since 1982. As per the records, 30 land allotments were done free of cost, out of which majority were government departments. Total 10 organisations were allotted land on rupee 1 token money.

In past seven years, no land allotment has been made by the JDA. In 2013, the authority allotted land to 13 institutes, including religious group and government.

“The proposal to allot land after 2013 are pending at the state government. After the change in regime in 2013, the then BJP government introduced land allotment policy in 2015. No major land allotment at concessional rates were done after that period,” said a senior officer at the JDA.

Sources said, the report has been prepared on the directions of the urban development and housing minister Shanti Dhariwal. To ensure that the land allotted at concessional rate is not being misused for other purposes, the state government will examine and verify its usage.

“The department in the past received several complaints that many institutes are using the land for commercial purposes. Also, they have rented out the place which is against norms. Action will be taken against such institutes after examining the details,” said a source.

Officials claimed many private hospitals which are beneficiaries of concessional land have failed to abide by the terms and conditions of providing free medication to 25% patients from below poverty line (BPL) category.

“As per a mandatory provision, private hospitals which have been allotted land at concessional rates have to provide free medication to 25% BPL patients. Moreover, it is compulsory to fix an hour and provide free medical check-ups to poor patients at the outdoor patient’s department (OPD). Similarly, 10% beds should be reserved for the poor. However, majority of hospitals have failed to fulfil the terms and conditions. The issue was also raised in the state assembly when the Congress was in opposition,” an official said.