The DDA has proposed a steep hike in the allotment rates of plots to government departments, power distribution companies and charitable institutions, among others.

At present, the transfer rate of land between various government departments is Rs 74.42 lakh per acre. If the DDA’s proposal is approved, this rate will rise to Rs 206.60 lakh per acre. However, the rates will be valid only for land allotted through DDA.

“It is a standard procedure to fix rates for institutional plots. These rates are reviewed every year, keeping in mind the prevalent market rates and other factors,” a senior DDA official said. “For instance, we cannot possibly allot land at a rate lower than what we pay to acquire it. So, the present proposal seeks to balance the gap between the acquisition of land and its disposal by the DDA.”

The proposal (Newsline has a copy) says: “In view of the steep hike by the Delhi government in the land acquisition rate — from Rs 22.90 lakh per acre to Rs 68.90 lakh per acre — the cost of per square metre of land being allotted to a government institution will now stand at Rs 1,700, as opposed to Rs 800 payable till last year.”

DDA has also suggested that since “there is a recessionary trend in real estate, it is felt appropriate that these rates may also be made applicable for the year 2009-2010.”

If approved, the proposal will also affect charitable institutions like hospitals, schools and orphanages. At present, they pay Rs 18.65 lakh for the first two acres and zonal variant institutional rates for land beyond that. If the proposal is passed, they will pay Rs 103.30 lakh for the first two acres. The proposal also seeks to hike the zonal variant rates (see box).

Also, to acquire land for bus depots, water supply plants and drainage systems in government colonies, the government will have to pay the new rates.