In a significant move to simplify the process of school upgradation in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena announced that societies running schools will no longer have to pay additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) charges when upgrading from primary or middle schools to senior secondary levels. This decision follows a Delhi High Court ruling aimed at easing financial and administrative constraints for educational institutions.
The announcement, made on Saturday, exempts societies with income tax-exempt status from incurring these charges, facilitating a smoother transition for schools aiming to expand their educational offerings. This development aims to reduce the bureaucratic barriers faced by schools, promoting a more streamlined upgrade process.
Key Changes in the Upgradation Process
The Lieutenant Governor has directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to modify lease deeds for these societies. This change allows the additional FAR required for school upgradation to be used without the burden of extra costs. To ensure transparency and a systematic approach, the DDA has also released standard operating procedures (SoPs) that schools must follow when applying for upgradation.
Application Requirements for Schools
Schools intending to upgrade must submit several documents as part of their application process:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DDA.
- Approval from the Education Department.
- Affiliation certificates from recognized educational boards such as CBSE or ICSE.
- Proof of Income Tax exemption to confirm eligibility for the FAR charge exemption.
Verification by the DDA
Before issuing the NOC, the DDA will conduct a thorough verification process. This will include:
- Ensuring that the school has no outstanding dues.
- Confirming that the institution has not occupied any unauthorized areas.
Implications for Schools
This decision is expected to encourage more schools to expand their educational offerings without the financial and procedural roadblocks that previously hampered such efforts. By removing the additional FAR charges, societies running these institutions will have a clearer path to upgrading their schools, ultimately benefiting students with access to expanded educational facilities.
