Date:01/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/01/stories/2008050160870100.htm

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BRS, LRS last date extended to May 31

Special Correspondent

Deadline extension cleared by EC after Government explanation

HYDERABAD: The last date for submission of applications for regularising buildings and layouts has been extended up to May 31. The Compulsory Disclosure Scheme for regularisation of illegal or unauthorised layouts and buildings and constructions was to end on April 30.

The extension of the deadline was cleared by Chief Electoral Officer I. V. Subba Rao following consultations with the Election Commission after the Government wrote to him on the need for such a step.

It pointed out that the regularisation was an ongoing scheme and that there were a large number of representations from people and residents welfare associations, it was explained.

Mr. Rao told The Hindu that CDS could be implemented all over the State, including the 10 districts where by-elections were being held on May 29. Accordingly, the Government issued GOs No. 328 and 329 on Wednesday.

Confusion

Another factor that influenced the Government to extend the date was the confusion among applicants about the pending case in the High Court.

The court, however, had stated that applications with stipulated penal fee could be submitted, pending the disposal of the case.

Though lot of applications were purchased, people hesitated in submitting the applications fearing huge amounts might get blocked because of the court case.

Another genuine reason was difficulty experienced by people in getting the blue prints of revised plans due to shortage of licensed draughtsmen. While the demand for these documents was huge, there were no adequate number of licensed persons to prepare these plans. Thus the Government conceded to the plea to give more time for submission of all relevant documents.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary, MA & UD, S.P.Singh said that directions were issued to municipal and urban development authority officials to take stern action against those building something new to take advantage of the penalisation scheme.

The officials would be free to demolish any construction taken up subsequent to the cut-off date given under the penalisation scheme anywhere in the State, he said.