Land wait for educational institutes in Gujarat gets shorter

In a move that will ease process of renting out land for educational purposes, state government has said that education trusts would no longer need clearance of district evaluation committee in lease of land for pedagogical activities.      

As per a circular issued by state revenue department on April 20, educational institutes would not require to approach district evaluation committee for land evaluation. An annual token charge of Rs1 will be levied for such allotments.

Evaluation of such land will now be done on basis of jantri rates, states the circular. The move also aims to reduce administrative hassles, which delayed approvals by district valuation committee.

According to sources close to the development, unrest among school managements concerning delay in allotment of educational land is seen as reason for release of this circular.

"Schools claim that it is easier to get industrial land in the state than a playground. Fingers were being pointed at district evaluation committee for pendency of applications. Possible corruption behind delay in approval was also alleged of," said sources.

However, it is believed that the circular will get lukewarm response. "The government has issued the circular because assembly elections are round the corner. The board has issued permissions for new schools, which might deter any further applications with district evaluation committee," said the source. 

About 1,200 applications by schools from across the state have been filed with district evaluation committee.