New Delhi, Dec 17 (IANS) The Delhi government Thursday got an additional year to improve urban infrastructure and deal with issue like illegal commercial structures in residential areas with parliament passing the necessary legislation.
The Rajya Sabha unanimously approved the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Bill, 2009, by a voice vote and without a debate.

As Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan asked Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy to move the bill, S.S. Ahluwalia (Bharatiya Janata Party) said: “Sir, let him read out the memorandum and we will pass it by voice vote.”

The measure, passed earlier by the Lok Sabha, will also enable the Delhi government to deal with issues like illegal constructions of country villas on agricultural land, unauthorised colonies and encroachment on government land by Dec 31, 2010. The previous law on the subject was to have expired on Dec 31 this year.

“We need more time to finalise norms for encroachments by slums, as also existing farmhouses, schools, dispensaries and cultural institutions on agricultural land. We have also drawn up guidelines for regularising unauthorised colonies but more time is required for their orderly implementation,” Reddy said.

“We have dealt with the issue keeping in view several rulings of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court,” Reddy maintained, adding: “The idea is to provide relief from hardship.”