NAGPUR Improvement Trust (NIT) from time to time under its various development schemes has leased plots under relevant provisions of Nagpur Improvement Trust Act, 1936.

 

 

Normally, if the lessee of plot is single, its renewal process becomes easy and the same can be done as per prescribed procedure. However, major problems are being faced on plots which got developed into multi-storied apartments having commercial and residential units. When lease deed of such plots gets expired, co-ordination amongst the people becomes impossible.

 

 

Taking up this issue in public interest, a delegation of Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) led by its President J P Sharma met Sheetal Teli-Ugale, NIT Chairperson. Accordingly, VTA delegation submitted a memorandum on the issue. In the meeting, Sharma said, “Unfortunately in majority of buildings, one to two persons are always in argument with the society for some illogical reason and never co-operate and NIT lease remains pending. And when lease deed of such plot with apartments gets expired, selling, mortgaging and obtaining loan becomes unworkable. This leads to unhealthy atmosphere and various internal disputes occure leading to fights, police complaints and litigations.”

 

 

Tejinder Singh Renu, Secretary of VTA said, “It is recommended that the leased land should be made freehold by charging minimum one time fee. This is possible u/s 76 of the NIT Act, 1936. It has been done in Nazul plots by State Government.” On this, NIT Chairperson Sheetal Teli-Ugale said, “The issue of plots getting freehold is State Government’s prerogative. NIT acquired those lands and generate revenue out of them. Hence, NIT cannot do that.” Appreciating VTAs step of highlighting the lease renewal issue, NIT Chairperson assured VTA delegation that in next NIT Board meeting, she will take up the lease renew issue and take the necessary decision.