New Delhi, Jan 14 (UNI) Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee President Devender Yadav on Wednesday said any decision to alter circle rates—the minimum valuation set by the government for property transactions—should only be made after consultations with Resident Welfare Associations and the public. He warned that an increase would raise property costs and associated taxes for buyers.
Yadav referenced the last revision in 2014, enacted during President’s Rule, which saw rates rise by 20 per cent. He claimed the current BJP-led administration is considering a hike ranging from 10 to 40 per cent across different property categories. According to figures he cited, current circle rates in top-tier areas stand at Rs. 7,74,000 per square meter, scaling down to Rs. 23,280 per square meter in lower categories.
A significant proposed increase for agricultural land was also highlighted, with rates potentially jumping from the current Rs. 53 lakh per acre to between Rs. 2.25 crore and Rs. 5 crore per acre, a move Yadav described as “a huge blow to the farmers.” The Congress leader contrasted the potential hike with existing civic issues in the city. He pointed to problems like inadequate basic amenities, poor road conditions, sanitation, and waterlogging in various localities, suggesting the government should prioritize these before increasing financial burdens on citizens.
The press note also referenced the earlier removal of a 20% discount on circle rates, a decision attributed to the Aam Aadmi Party government. Yadav argued that successive policies, combined with high inflation, are making life increasingly difficult for Delhi’s lower and middle-income groups. The committee formed to review the valuation is now at the centre of this discussion, with calls for its process to be more inclusive and sensitive to current economic pressures faced by residents.
