MCD: BJP questions irregularities in issuance of PRCs

With campaigning for civic polls gaining momentum, BJP on Thursday raked up the issue of alleged irregularities in distribution of provisional regularization certificates to a number of unauthorised colonies ahead of assembly elections in 2008.

Alleging a "huge scam" in distribution of the provisional regularisation certificates, Delhi BJP president Vijender Gupta also demanded removal of PWD Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan who was the Minister for Urban Development department that was tasked to identify the beneficiary colonies.

"Raj Kumar Chauhan has no moral right to remain as a Minister," he said, referring to Delhi Lokayukta's order for filing of an FIR after finding that a file containing details of the regularisation process of a colony went missing from the Urban Development department.

Gupta said if Chauhan does not resign then he should be removed from the Cabinet by the Lt Governor.
Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin yesterday asked Urban Development department to file an FIR after he was informed by the department that a file pertaining to grant of PRCs to Wazirpur village could not be traced.

The Lokayukta is currently probing allegations that a number of "fake unauthorised colonies" were given PRCs. Following the allegations, Delhi Government had set up a high level probe which had found gross irregularities in issuance of the certificates,

As per norms, unauthorised colonies, which had come up prior to March 31, 2002, and which had 50 per cent built-up area as on February 8, 2007, were eligible for PRCs.

The government has already cancelled PRCs of 43 unauthorised colonies on the basis of findings of the report.

The Delhi government had issued the PRCs to over 1,239 unauthorised colonies ahead of the assembly polls in 2008, which have been home to around 40 lakh people and constitute important vote bank.
 
The BJP has been attacking the government demanding an in-depth inquiry into the whole process of issuance of PRCs.