Lok Sabha passed NCT of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill, 2014

The Lok Sabha on 16 December 2014 passed the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill, 2014. The bill was presented in Lok Sabha by the Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu.

The Bill seeks to amend the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011 as the deadlines provided under the 2011 Act expires on 31 December 2014.

Thus, the bill seeks to extend the deadlines under the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011 up to 31 December 2017.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act, 2011
• The 2011 Act provided that no action will be taken till 31 December 2014 with respect to (i) Encroachment or unauthorized development as of 1 January 2006; and (ii) Unauthorized colonies, village abadi areas that existed on 31 March 2002 and where construction took place up till 8 February 2007 and other areas as of 8 February 2007.  
• Relocate slum dwellers and Jhuggi-Jhompri clusters in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Shelter Improvement Board Act, 2010 and the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021.
• Regulate street vendors in accordance with the policy for street vendors outlined in the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021.
• Regularise unauthorised colonies, village abadi areas (and their extensions).
• Create a policy for farm houses constructed beyond permissible limits.
• Create a policy or plan for all other areas of the National Capital Territory of Delhi in keeping with the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021.

Why the Bill was needed?
The Bill was needed to make sure that any punitive action is not taken on the unauthorized developments/colonies in the NCT of Delhi. The bill also seeks to provide opportunity for Government agencies to finalise the norms, policy guidelines and feasible strategies as well as orderly implementation of Delhi Master Plan, 2021.