Centre puts Delhi sealing on hold
16 06 2007The Supreme Court, a few weeks ago, had ordered that the city be cleared of unhygienic food and food vendors. The decision of the SC prompted the Centre to come up with an ordinance giving relief not just to street food vendors but also slums, jhuggis, schools, farmhouses and practically every other category not covered by the Delhi Master Plan.
“As cleared in ordinance to provide temporary relief to uncovered sections for one more year,” says Urban Development Minister, Jaipal Reddy.
A Bill is expected in the coming monsoon session of Parliament. And in the meanwhile, ahead of the 2008 assembly polls, the Delhi government is breathing easy.
“The people will be relieved. And I hope to address all the complains in a year, “says Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dixit.
Incidentally the previous stop gap measure brought in by the Centre, the Delhi laws Special Provisions Act of 2006 came in for strong criticism from the Supreme Court, and it was allowed to lapse in May this year.
So even when the government had a year to come up with a well-planned urban policy, it preferred an ordinance that would keep vote banks happy. But the question then is that how serious is the Centre about cleaning up that city ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
(source http://www.ibnlive.com)
