BKC proposes cut in penalties

BKC proposes cut in penalties
Suggests Rs 500 Fine For Regularization Of Vacant Plots Of 600 Square Metres
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: This might come as a respite for the urban poor. Legislative council chairman B K Chandrashekar proposed Rs 500 as a common penalty for regularization of small vacant plots under the Sakrama scheme.
Addressing mediapersons on Monday, Chandrashekar said he has proposed a cut in penalty for vacant plots that measure up to 600 sqmt following representations from NGOs, welfare associations and societies.
“I had a detailed discussion with urban development secretary and BBMP officials on the Sakrama scheme as we are witnessing largescale protests over it. After much deliberation, we found that penalties for plot appears in the rule and not Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act. So, it would be possible to cut down on rates, provided the executive committee takes a decision to this effect,’’ he said.
He said that the rates were high for urban poor and hence the one-time payment of Rs 500 should be allowed. On the demand for extending the deadline and penalties for all categories, he said as the assembly has been dissolved, it was not possible for anyone in the state to bring in a change in the law.
“However, I am holding discussions with the governor to send a proposal to the Union government which can take a decision pertaining to amendments passed in the state assembly,’’ he said.
Issues pertaining to rates, date and allowing violation of more than what has prescribed have to be discussed by the state executive committee.
“It can send a proposal to this effect. Since the Parliament session is on, the House can take decisions and revert to us. Since we are short of time, we need to put the process in motion soon,’’ he said.
BBMP’s DC (resources) U A Vasanth Rao asked people not to stop applying for regularization. “Whatever be the decision, people should apply before December 14. The BBMP will refund applicants the extra amount paid if there are any modifications to the KTCP Act,’’ he said.