NAGPUR: The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has increased charges for giving no-objection-certificate (NOC) for amalgamation (merging) and division of its leased plots. The charges have increased 2.5 times to Rs10,000 to Rs25,000.
In a meeting held just a few days ago, the NIT board trustees made this decision. NIT administration proposed a steeper increase in charges. The proposal was to collect 2% of the ready reckoner value. This would have been much higher than the current charges of Rs10,000.
Radhakrishnan, the municipal commissioner, strongly opposed the proposal.
The board of trustees then decided to fix the charges at Rs25,000.
NIT has over 65,000 plots available for lease. The majority of plots are located in areas that fall under the control of Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Builders are purchasing plots situated in prime locations and amalgamating them for developing flat schemes and mixed residential-commercial schemes. The civic body must approve the application, which costs Rs100 per square meter.
NMC must direct applicants to obtain NOC of NIT as they are the owners of the properties. People would be greatly affected if there was a steep rise in fees.
For the amalgamation of plots, applicants will need to pay Rs100 per square meter and Rs25,000. For division of plots, which are rare in number, similar charges will apply.
If the state government had abolished NIT, it would have been possible to end the system of approvals by two planning authorities and double charges. This could have been made possible if NIT had adopted the freehold policy.
After one month, the revised charges will take effect. After minutes from the last meeting have been approved at the next meeting, the board of trustees will implement the decision.
