The Tiimes of India           01.12.2010

MCD yet to get fire clearance for civic centre

NEW DELHI: Taking on the MCD in Delhi Assembly on Tuesday, urban development minister Dr AK Walia asserted that the civic agency needs to speed up the process to regularize the five lakh (approximate) street vendors and squatters in the capital.

He pointed that this was needed in view of the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2004 formulated by government of India. He also pointed that as per the Supreme Court directions the deadline to finalize this issue is June 30, 2011.

He added that regularization of `tehbazaris' for street vendors and squatters is also essential so that they are not deprived of their right to earn in a fast-growing metropolitan city. Walia was replying to a motion on corruption and favouritism by MCD in matters related to squatters and vendors. The motion was moved by MLA Mukesh Sharma under Rule 107 in Vidhan Sabha. MLAs Prahlad Singh Sawhney and Devender Yadav also joined him in moving this motion.

Walia stated that there are approximately 4-5 lakh street vendors and squatters, who are being allowed and removed as per mercy of the MCD. "It is a general perception that their continuation depends upon unfair means being adopted by the MCD officials and police officials. As per norms of the national policy, around 4-5 lakh squatters can be accommodated in Delhi. It is very strange that only 30,000 squatters hold licences in the capital,'' he added.