UDD’s exemption for naturopathy centres to favour few: NCP
The Urban Development Department (UDD)’s decision to give 75 per cent exemption in development charges to centres promotiong natural therapy and naturopathy, while at the same time burdening home buye
The Urban Development Department (UDD)’s decision to give 75 per cent exemption in development charges to centres promotiong natural therapy and naturopathy, while at the same time burdening home buyers with its increased development charges for residential buildings and new construction has drawn opposition criticism.
The opposition has alleged that the decision had been taken to facilitate business for promoters of natural medicines and remedies such as Ramdev Baba and Sri Sri Ravishankar.
The UDD has amended sub-section (2) of Section 124F of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966 on September 22. The Section 124A empowers the respective authorities within the area of its jurisdiction to levy development charge on the institution of use, change of use of any land or building, development of any land or building, alterations for roads, streetlights, water, electricity, and other civic facilities for which permission is required.
“Development of any land or building proposed for nature care, naturopathy and nisargopachar centre by charitable institution registered under the Maharashtra Public Trust Act will get exemption of 75 per cent in development charges,” the decision stated.
However, with the aim to get Rs 15,000 crore as additional revenue, the development charge for other ordinary structures was increased by 4 per cent last October by the BMC, particularly burdening home buyers as developers or builders do not pay these charges from their own pockets. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik alleged the BJP-led government’s decision was taken to favour a few.
“The BJP government takes decisions in favour of Adani, Ambani, Ramdev Baba and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This has remained the pattern of the government in the Centre and in the state also. Ramdev Baba and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar are of promoters natural remedies for all ailments. So we all know who the exemption given from development charges for naturopathy centres will benefit,” Mr Malik said.