Its only a brief respite

Its only a brief respite
DH News Service,Bangalore:
Property owners in Bangalore are relieved, though temporarily. The State government extended the time for submitting applications for regularisation till March 31, 2008

The government took this decision following High Court decision to stall processing of applications under Sakrama.

There is mixed response among the public on government’s move. While some welcomed the move, many argued extension of the period will not help. Many said they will continue with their protests against the scheme. Here are a few public reactions.

It’s only a temporary relief. There are many anomalies in the scheme. They should be set right. MPs representing the State in Parliament should take up the issue and mount pressure to bring an amendment to the scheme.

M Chandrashekhar, Malleswaram

It is not satisfactory. We will continue with our protest. The regularisation fee is too high. The government should take measures to reduce it. The scheme benefits only the big builders and the rich.

K V Patel Raju, Bommanahalli

Extension of period to submit applications will not help the public. I have a fundamental disagreement with the scheme. It allows regularisation of deviations only up to 50 per cent. Then what about the remaining?

Stanley Louis, Koramangala

It’s wonderful the government has extended the deadline for submitting applications. The HC has adjourned hearing of our petition to February 6. The extension of time was one of our demands. It has been met and we will fight for other demands, including fee reduction.

Varky Thomson, Secretary, Prakruthi Plot Owners Association

I welcome the order. Many innocent people are being made to pay regularisation fee due to violations committed by builders. People need to wait for the final verdict.

Vaidyanathan N R, Regional Director (South East Asia)
International Union for Health
Promotion and Education

I welcome the High Court’s decision. The Citizens’ Action Forum appreciates the court’s observation that petitioners raised valid points which need thorough consideration. The extension of the deadline is uncalled for since the matter is pending before the Court.

N S Mukunda, Secretary of
Federation of Residents
Associations (Abhyudaya)

Sakrama scheme is absolutely confusing. The fundamentals of the scheme are not laid down properly. Let a committee of eminent people suggest what needs to be done. We welcome the decision of the court but the extension of deadline will not solve the problem at all.

K P Abraham, Cook Town

I welcome the government move to extend the time. However, extension of three months will not help the public to a greater extent. They need some more time to arrange money required to get their properties regularised. Moreover, there are many controversial issues in the scheme, which need to be addressed.

Gopi Reddy,
Chowdeshwari Nagar

The court order comes as a big relief to people. The state government’s decision to extend the deadline will benefit the common man in a big way.
Kauser Sultana,
software engineer



LEADERS SAY...

I welcome the HC decision to stay processing of Sakrama applications. It has brought relief to many, particularly those belonging to the middle- and the lower middle class. Public are angry with BBMP officers who allowed unauthorised structures all these days. The government should take a decision to punish them too.

Prof B K Chandrashekhar, Chairman, Legislative Council

I welcome HC decision. The scheme has been framed in an unscientific manner and it needs to be amended. As it takes a long time to either modify the Act by Parliament or pass an ordinance, Governor can initiate steps to modify the scheme so some relief is given to the poor.

Mallikarjun Kharge,
KPCC president