Sheds conversion: DSIIDC comes under ACB scanner

The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) today registered a case in connection with alleged irregularities by DSIIDC in conversion of industrial sheds on DDA allotted land from leasehold to freehold, a charge denied by the AAP government.
"An FIR under appropriate sections of law has been registered on the basis of a complaint and legal action will follow," said ACB chief M K Meena.
According to the complaint submitted to the police on August 3, some senior officials of Delhi State Industrial And Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) Limited have allegedly abused their official position for "wrongful gains" in conversion of industrial sheds on DDA allotted land from leasehold to freehold, said an ACB source.

On the basis of the complaint, the ACB have registered a case of cheating and criminal breach of trust, the source said.
Meanwhile, DSIIDC has denied the charges and said that all procedures were followed as per laid down rules.
"Delhi government launched the scheme of conversion from leasehold to freehold for the Industrial properties/ Plots/ Sheds in the year 2005 after taking approval of LG on the basis of Conversion Scheme notified by the Ministry of Urban Development Ministry in the year 1992 and modified in the year 2003 thereby extending the scheme to all built-up Industrial, Commercial and mixed land use leases also," DSIIDC said in a statement.

The brochure of the conversion scheme containing detailed guidelines for conversion from leasehold to freehold was also issued after the approval of the Lt Governor. The Scheme also included the Industrial Sheds constructed under different schemes by DSIIDC.
Since, the lands allotted by DDA, on which the DSIIDC had constructed the Industrial Sheds under various schemes were already under the control and authority of DSIIDC and DSIIDC was carrying out all the functions of the lease administration of these sheds including allotment, disposing off the sheds through public auction, cancellation, change in constitution, transfer, executing Conveyance Deeds (Leasehold & Freehold), passing eviction orders under PP Act,1971, the work of Conversion of these sheds was started after the date on which DIDOM Act, 2010 came into force.

"The Legal Opinion taken from the Law Department. GNCT of Delhi clearly states that Lease Administration of all The Industrial Estates/Areas notified in the act shall be with the DSIIDC after the enactment of Act," it also stated.