The DUSIB negligence came to light during an appeal case between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and DUSIB, where it was revealed that the rent had not been revised for nearly 30 years. In response, Saxena has directed a full inquiry, ordered a recalculation of the rent, and demanded a new policy for determining ground rents.
BY PC Bureau
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena has expressed strong displeasure over the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for its failure to revise the ground rent of its land, leading to significant losses for the public exchequer.
DUSIB, which falls under the control of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) through its Urban Development Department, came under scrutiny during an appeal hearing in the case of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) vs. DUSIB.
The issue was brought to light when HPCL filed an appeal against DUSIB’s failure to revise the ground rent, as mandated by the terms of a 1984 agreement. The agreement, made when the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) allotted two plots of land in Shahzada Bagh Industrial Area and Sarai Basti Rohtak Road to HPCL for setting up filling stations, stipulated that the rent should be revised every five years.
However, after DUSIB took over the responsibility in 2010, the ground rent revision was neglected for nearly 30 years. Instead, in 2018, DUSIB raised an arbitrary demand of Rs. 35 crore, along with interest, for HPCL.
During the hearing, LG Saxena observed that this case highlights the negligence of DUSIB officials in properly managing land and property matters. He emphasized that the officials should have been more proactive in ensuring timely revisions of ground rent to safeguard DUSIB’s financial interests.
To address the issue, LG Saxena has directed the CEO of DUSIB to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and identify the officers responsible for the lapse. Additionally, the LG instructed DUSIB to recalculate the ground rent for HPCL’s land and properties, limiting the demand to the revised principal amount and interest raised since 2018, rather than since the original agreement in 1984. The LG also gave DUSIB 30 days to formulate a comprehensive policy for determining the ground rent and other charges for all its land and properties.
This decisive action by LG Saxena highlights his commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient administration of public assets, ensuring that such lapses do not recur in the future.
