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Conversion of land use policy for industrial use extended
THE Chandigarh Administration extended the conversion of land use policy in industrial area till March 18, 2008. The decision has been taken following an appeal by the Joint Forum of the Association of Chandigarh, Federation of Small Scale Industries and Chamber of Chandigarh Industries, which expressed demands of the city’s industry for extension of the policy by two years more. The administration says the extension will help them clear pending applications of conversion. Within this year, 31 applications have been received, taking the total number up to 60 and with the extension, more are expected. The policy had faced criticism from industrialists in the city as the administration was having trouble implementing it initially. The scheme, called ‘Chandigarh Conversion of Land Use of Industrial Sites into Commercial Activity/Services in Industrial Area Phase I & II Chandigarh,’ was launched in 2005. It was also learnt that amalgamation and fragmentation of plots under one-acre may be allowed from next week. The matter is under the consideration of the administration and a decision would be achieved within a week, according to a government official. The terms and conditions of the policy, which was suppose to expire on September 18, have been kept the same. The administration allowed payment of conversion fee in installments for a period that extends more than five year. An Empowered Committee was also created for implementing changes. This relaxation, however, came with an amendment in 2006, during which an increased rate of interest of 8.25% was applied (as compared to the earlier 7%). The administration increased the ground coverage up to 50% for plots being developed as multiplex. More than Rs 61 crore has been received as revenue from the scheme.