Rekha chairs meet to simplify rules, ensure ease of doing business
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting at the Secretariat to discuss critical issues related to infrastructure development and improving the ease of doing business in the Capital.
The meeting was attended by Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Registrar of Co-operative Societies, and representatives from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The Chief Minister stated that the meeting focused on key challenges including unauthorised colonies, redevelopment of housing societies and modernisation of industrial zones. She stressed the need to make construction-related procedures simple, transparent and accountable to avoid unnecessary delays in development works. Discussions also included plans to revise circle rates, simplify building by-laws, and improve coordination among various agencies.
To address inconsistencies in the current circle rate structure, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a committee under the Divisional Commissioner to examine market trends and submit a detailed report. The report will serve as the foundation for revising circle rates across Delhi. She directed the task force to expedite the report and ensure it reflects current property values and local needs.
On the issue of unauthorised colonies, the CM directed all civic agencies to take proactive steps for improvement and infrastructure development. She also asked the DDA and the Urban Development Department to prepare a comprehensive report addressing ownership rights and property registration challenges faced by residents in these colonies.
The task force presented a 10-point report containing major recommendations to boost infrastructure and ease of doing business. Key proposals included the implementation of a single-window clearance system, standardised development control norms across agencies, and time-bound approvals for large-scale projects. The report also suggested reducing amalgamation charges for commercial plots, waiving revised layout plans in MCD areas, and introducing a Green Building Policy that extends to both commercial and residential plots.
Other recommendations included rationalising property tax, optimising the use of land allotted to DMRC, and reducing the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for hotel and commercial plots. The task force also proposed encouraging slum redevelopment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, allowing commercial activities within such projects to improve viability.
To make Delhi’s business environment more transparent and investor-friendly, the Chief Minister directed the task force to review existing business-related processes and policies, especially those affecting start-ups and entrepreneurs. She asked the task force to submit a report recommending automation and time-bound reforms that simplify approvals and improve efficiency.
While discussing the proposed Green Building Policy, CM Rekha Gupta stressed that sustainability should be encouraged across all types of properties, not just commercial ones. She instructed that the policy be designed in a way that promotes green development in residential areas as well.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Delhi’s progress would be determined not just by the scale of its plans but by the quality and transparency of their implementation. “The time has come to re-establish Delhi as a global, green and well-planned capital. Our government is working 24×7 to achieve that vision,” she asserted.
Delhi