According to Congress leader Kanchanbhai Parmar and former councillor I D Patel, in the party meeting held on Monday, the Congress councillors said connections in slums and societies on the private, semi-government and government land which do not have completion certificates should also be regularised.

While the proposal passed by the Standing Committee enables only those who have completion certificates to avail the benefit, Congress councillor Chirag Zhaveri said all the residents should be benefitted regardless of the fact whether they have completion certificates or not.

As an incentive for those who declare the unauthorised connections before December 31, 1998, the Standing Committee reduced by 75 per cent the rates suggested by Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria. The Congress, however, feels that the incentive scheme should be extended up to March 31, 1999 and the scheme should be introduced again, if necessary.

Land for GSEB: On the Standing Committee's decision to give 4,080 square meter land to Gujarat Secondary Education Board (GSEB) at a cost of Rs 5,280 per square meter, the Congressmen said the VMC should stick to earlier rate of Rs 7,532 per square meter quoted by the Board. The issue is likely to be taken up in the Board meeting.

About another issue -- making permanent several Municipal School Board employees whose probation periods have ended -- Patel said the members decided that the employees should be absorbed permanently only if the grants could be obtained from the State Government. During the Congress rule, over 300 employees were recruited in gross violation of rules.

The issue of reducing the roadline on the Nava Bazaar Road from 60 feet to 40 feet is also likely to figure in the Board meeting.

Consultancy fees: Yet another firm, Dalvi Associates Architects and Designers, has submitted a proposal to ease traffic congestion in the city.

According to sources, the firm has suggested changes in the earlier proposals submitted by Kolhatkar and the Architects Association. A proposal to give the firm Rs 1.20 lakh as fees is likely to be taken up for discussion on Thursday.

Dalvi has given suggestions to ease traffic congestion near Nyay Mandir, Lehripura and Mahatma Gandhinagar gruh areas. He has also suggested changes near the Narhari traffic circle in Fatehganj.

Octroi booths: A proposal to set up five octroi booths at the total cost of Rs 5.56 lakh is also likely to be taken up for discussion. The booths are to be purchased to increase octroi revenue.