Ordinance to avoid forcible action against unauthorised development: Govt

NEW DELHI: In a bid to provide immediate relief to slum dwellers, hawkers and street vendors, Government on Friday said it would bring an Ordinance to avoid forcible action against unauthorised development.
    
A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, gave its approval for promulgation of an Ordinance to grant "temporary relief", Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters here.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Ordinance 2007 would grant relief from forcible action against unauthorised development in the form of encroachment by slum dwellers, hawkers and urban street vendors, he said.

The ordinance was promulgated as the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act 2006 lapsed on May 19 this year, which provided a moratorium on sealing and demolition in the capital.

It will also address the issue of unauthorized development in the existing farmhouses involving construction beyond permissible building limits and schools, dispensaries, religious and cultural institutions in rural areas built on agricultural land for a period of one year in Delhi, he said.

The Ordinance would provide temporary relief against forcible action so as to avoid undue hardship and also allow for a balanced and well considered view to be taken on policies involving such unauthorised development thereby to formulate schemes to address these issues, Dasmunsi said.

The minister said a Bill will be moved in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to replace the Ordinance.