In a move aimed at streamlining the education sector in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has announced a significant policy reform allowing schools run by societies exempt from Income Tax to upgrade their educational status without incurring additional financial costs.
This decision, which follows a recent High Court ruling, allows primary and middle schools to transition to secondary and senior secondary levels without paying extra charges to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
The reform aims to ease bureaucratic hurdles that previously slowed down the expansion of educational institutions. The DDA has released a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to facilitate the upgrade process. According to the new procedure, schools can now apply for the additional FAR needed for expansion without financial burden, provided they meet certain criteria. These include obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DDA, securing permission from the Education Department, and submitting an affiliation certificate from recognized boards like CBSE or ICSE. Schools must also demonstrate their Income Tax exemption status.
To ensure compliance, the DDA will verify that the schools have cleared any outstanding dues related to ground rent and have not encroached on additional land. Once these conditions are met, schools will receive the NOC, allowing them to proceed with their upgradation. However, they must still adhere to the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) and obtain approval for the layout plan from the relevant authorities.
This policy change is expected to significantly ease the financial and bureaucratic burden on schools, motivating educational societies to expand their offerings. The move will provide students in Delhi with enhanced educational opportunities, helping to address the growing demand for quality education at higher levels.
