Source; The Times of India Date : 09.07.2009

'Town and Country Planning Act' mooted

JAIPUR. This year's budget, presented in the assembly on Wednesday, has laid stress on infrastructure development, especially for inviting investment and generate better employment opportunities. This is apart from the focus on expanding road facilites and improving basic amenities. The chief minister has also indicated a further amendment in the 90-B policy.

Presenting the budget in the assembly, the chief minister said that the government is considering a proposal to form a Town and Country Planning Act' for organised development of towns and to invite investment. He also stressed the need for revision of the 2002 township policy. It was also informed that to formulate development plans, a Centre for Urban Affairs' will be established in Jaipur.

The work area of Ajmer Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) will be expanded to include Pushkar, whereas a Mount Abu UIT will be established for development of the hill station and Abu Road.

To improve investment opportunities, a Master Plan has been proposed for development of Shahajahanpur-Nimrana-Behror area, to be known as Nimrana global city and also for Greater Bhiwani.

The budget also assured that the master plans for 109 other cities will be prepared over the next three years.

However, an immediate boost to infrastructure sector has come in the form of reduction of VAT on construction materials and stamp duty on property registration. Reduction in taxes will not only bring down the development costs but will also help to generate a transparent market," said Gopal Gupta, president, Builders Association of Rajasthan. "Also, the association of development with investment is necessary for sustainable growth," he said.

The budget kept a balance in not only the urban and rural areas but also among various sections of the society. There were also assurance for upgradation of basic facilities for those dwelling in slum areas. The chief minister said that under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, there is provision for Rs 544 crore for development works in Jaipur, Ajmer and Pushkar during the current fiscal year