CMO report claims consistent abuse of discretionary powers during allotment
Mumbai : According to a confidential CMO report, the allotment of a prime Bandra property to Associated Journals Limited (publishers of National Herald) is riddled with several violations.
While listing at least eight violations, the report suggests consistent abuse of discretionary powers in the allotment of the plot.
The report prepared by the Chief Minister’s Office is titled “M/s Associates Journals Private Ltd. Prima Facie irregularities observed in grant of land”. It quotes Rule 31 of Disposal of Government Lands Rules, 1971, that outlines the procedure for grant of land for industrial and commercial purposes, to suggest that the allotment was in complete violation.
As required by the law, the allotment history does not mention any good reasons mentioned by the collector, says the report.
This plot was reserved for a hostel for backward class students, public office, sewage pumping station and a 60-foot-road, for which it was transferred to the Social Welfare Department in ’64
The other basic violation that the report mentions is the allotment of a residential plot for commercial purposes. This particular plot was reserved for a hostel for backward class students, public office, sewage pumping station and a 60-foot-road. For this purpose, the plot was allotted to the Social Welfare Department on September 29, 1964. But, it was allotted to AJL as it was unutilised till 1983.
“The instant plot at the time of allotment was shown in residential reservation in the Development Plan. Ignoring this fact, the plot was allotted for commercial purposes,” notes the report.
The other major thing that the report points out is waiver of interest dues of Rs 2.7 crore. The Revenue Department’s memorandum of June 30, 2001 gave AJL several relaxations as “a special case”. The lease plot was converted into occupancy, which is against the Government Resolution of May 5, 1999. Ignoring this, the assessment for AJL was made on the land rates of 1983 i.e. the allotment year. During conversion from lease to occupancy, the outstanding interest due since 1983 amounting to Rs 2,78,56,940 was also waived.
Apart from these, in 1989 permission was granted for 100 per cent commercial use of the plot and, also, concession was granted to AJL from the regulations pertaining to unearned income.
