Due approvals taken in leasehold-freehold conversion: DSIIDC

New Delhi: Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC) today clarified that due approvals of the ‘competent authorities’ was taken before allowing conversion of industrial plots from leasehold to freehold in 2011-12.

The clarification from the DSIIDC came hours after anti-corruption branch (ACB) Chief Mukesh Meena ordered a probe against senior bureaucrat C B Sanghi for allegedly allowing conversion while he was Chairman and Managing Director of the industrial body in 2011-12.

“It is clarified that the conversion from leasehold to freehold has been done following all the laws and after seeking due approvals of the competent authorities.

“The scheme for conversion from leasehold to freehold was introduced by the Ministry of Urban Development and duly approved by Lt Governor of Delhi. All the cases of leasehold to freehold conversion have been done after receipt of due conversion charges approved by the LG from each applicant,” DSIIDC said in its statement.

However, ACB claims that they have received a complaint of alleged irregularity against senior Sanghi, who holds the charge of Principal Secretary, Vigilance, following which an investigation was ordered by Meena, whose appointment as ACB chief by the Lt Governor was rejected by AAP government.

“While he was posted as CMD at DSIIDC in 2011-12, he allowed conversion of industrial plots to freehold. This is beyond his power as no permission was taken from DDA or Lt Governor, which is mandatory in this case,” the senior ACB officer said.

ACB claims advocate Vivek Garg gave a complaint, following which an investigation was ordered by Meena. In his complaint, Garg has also asked to check involvement of other people in it.

In his complaint, he has questioned why Sanghi allegedly took “no permission” from DDA and LG before allowing the conversion.