SDMC offers conversion of leasehold shops to freehold

NEW DELHI: In a move that may benefit many shopkeepers, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has issued a circular converting leasehold shops into freehold in major markets such as Meharchand, RK Puram, Lajpat Nagar, Pushpa Market and Nanakpura by paying half of the conversion fee as floor-wise damage charges.

Compensation is paid for unlicensed construction done in the past. Traditionally, the civic body has been responsible for determining the duration of such unpermitted building. People are also unconcerned with the age of the extensions. Shopkeepers have to provide an affidavit declaring that the unauthorised structure will be demolished or regularised by the building department within six months of the conveyance deed’s execution and payment of the costs.

Any unauthorised construction, according to an official, will be demolished after the time limit has expired. The sum would be in addition to conversion and other expenses, which would include Rs 5 lakh for the merger of two stores of any size. Charges of Rs 10 lakh may be recovered from all stores for each merger.