AMC Land Lease 'Network' Under Probe After Chairman Flags Alleged Irregularities

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will review its policy for leasing civic body-owned plots after allegations of irregularities in the allotment process surfaced. Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel has ordered an investigation, alleging that estate department officials manipulated the existing policy to benefit influential individuals. A fresh policy with stricter safeguards is now being prepared.

Estate department accused of bypassing Standing Committee

The controversy centres on reserved plots that come under AMC ownership through Town Planning (TP) schemes.

Patel alleged that several plots were leased directly by the estate department without placing the proposals before the Standing Committee. He claimed officials exercised discretionary powers while deciding the purpose of allotments and lease rents.

'Even ruling party members don't know who got the plots'

Patel alleged that the Standing Committee has not been informed for the past three years about who has been allotted municipal plots or the purpose for which they were leased.

He also claimed that no resolutions approving concessional plot allotments had been passed in the committee's last five meetings, except for religious and social activities.

Policy allegedly altered, fresh framework on the cards

According to Patel, several provisions were removed from the existing policy, creating room for misuse.

He has directed the deputy municipal commissioner of the estate department to prepare a revised policy aimed at making the allotment process more transparent and accountable.

Plots leased at token rents allegedly used for business

Sources alleged that plots allotted at nominal rents for social and religious purposes were later used for commercial activities.

Some allottees allegedly operated food markets and temporary stalls before subletting the space to vendors at significantly higher rates, earning substantial profits from public land.

Political links under scanner

The alleged irregularities are also believed to involve local corporators and political leaders. Sources claimed some beneficiaries repeatedly secured the same plots by filing fresh applications before their three-month lease period expired.

Patel said the existing policy will be scrapped and replaced with a new framework to ensure greater transparency in future allotments.