Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) board on Thursday approved by majority a proposal to convert 3,631 leasehold properties across the city into freehold, potentially providing greater clarity on ownership and transfer of long-pending properties.The decision was taken at the sixth special meeting of the PMC council chaired by mayor Sita Sahu. Cooperative minister Ram Kripal Yadav, deputy mayor Reshmi Chandravanshi, councillors, members of the empowered standing committee, municipal commissioner Yashpal Meena and senior civic officials attended the meeting.Mayor Sita Sahu said, “The properties covered under the proposal include plots, buildings, flats, offices, shops, stalls and kiosks allotted on lease by the civic body in areas including Rajendra Nagar, Sri Krishnapuri, Kankarbagh, PIT Colony, Maurya Lok, Transport Nagar and Beur.” She added the proposal would become applicable after govt approval in the cabinet.The council also approved conversion charges based on the market value of the property. Original allottees will have to pay 10% of the market value as conversion charges, while second allottees will be charged 12%.Rajendra Nagar accounts for 2,105 properties, including 780 plots, 432 buildings, 725 flats and 168 shops or kiosks. Sri Krishnapuri has 577 properties, including 272 plots, 232 buildings, 60 flats, 12 shops or kiosks and a guest house. Kankarbagh has 188 properties, while Beur has 118.Maurya Lok Complex has 432 shops, kiosks and offices, while 209 plots in Transport Nagar, a guest house in Yarpur and a brick kiln in Digha are also among the leasehold properties.The board also discussed action against non-residential activities being carried out in residential premises in compliance with a Supreme Court order. Councillors expressed concern and urged the civic body to stop the action.The mayor and minister said the concerns raised by councillors would be examined as per law. Officials were directed to ensure compliance with prescribed rules and the court order while taking further action.
