No more overstay in government bungalows or flats in Lutyens' Delhi; Rules cannot be bent, says M Venkaiah Naidu

NEW DELHI: Politicians, bureaucrats and other government employees can no longer overstay in a bungalow or flat in Lutyens' Delhi by pay market rent, a practice that was prevalent during the UPA regime.

"Government is not out to make money through collection of market rent. Priority is to give everyone his due as per rules. The government's efforts in the matter of streamlining allotment of government bungalows is part of the larger architecture of ensuring rule of law," urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu told TOI.

He said the government was clearing the mess and that rules won't be bent for anyone. Citing the example of Yashwant Sinha, Naidu said when the former finance minister was told that it would be difficult to grant him an extension, the BJP leader moved out in a week.

Sources said allotment of government houses had almost become a real estate activity given the clamour for an address in the VIP area.They added that there was more clarity now. Besides VIPs, several chairmen of tribunals and commissions are entitled to government bungalows. "Having lived in Lutyens' zone for long, they are keen to remain there. Now, most such VIPs will be accommodated in the Commonwealth Games Village," said an official.

Officials said that during the UPA regime, the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation ( CCA) indiscriminately regularized overstay . As the extended time came to an end, requests for further extension surfaced, but the NDA refused, whether it was Lalu Prasad or the wife of former minister Arjun Singh.

Ministry officials said the biggest challenge this time was that a record 316 first-timers were elected to Lok Sabha. To accommodate them in time, many seniors had to move out. “So, a huge number of eviction notices and orders were issued.Moreover, most of the 60-odd NDA ministers were new.With the defeat of almost all UPA ministers, it was a Herculean task to makeway for the new ministers,“ an official said. Even a year after the government took charge, four ministers including a Cabinet minister are waiting for official accommodations .

He added extensions to keep bungalows were sought on various grounds including children's education, medical grounds and security . "But the government has made it clear that government houses will be allotted to only for private persons who have Z plus category security."