Political parties to get land in Delhi for offices

NEW DELHI: The landmark offices of the country's leading political parties will have to move out of the heart of the capital with the Union Cabinet on Friday deciding to allot them land in the Institutional Area in keeping with a Supreme Court directive.

"This exercise is to be completed in three years," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after a meeting of the Cabinet cleared the move.

He said a uniform and rational policy will be adopted for allotting land to political parties in the Institutional Area to enable their effective functioning.

Over the decades, the offices of parties like the Congress, which has its establishment at 10 Akbar Road, have become landmarks. They have been the venue for major functions as well as protests and celebrations linked to political events.

Giving details of the policy, Mukherjee said national political parties, recognised by the Election Commission and having at least seven MPs, will be given plots.

The parties should vacate official bungalows immediately on construction of their office building or within three years of taking over the land allotted on leasehold basis, he said.

On the quantum of land to be allotted, Mukherjee said political parties with strength of up to 15 MPs will get 500 square metres, 25 MPs -- 1,000 sq mt, 50 MPs -- 2,000 sq mt, 100 MPs -- one acre, 200 MPs -- two acres and over 200 MPs --four acres.

State parties having seven MPs will also enjoy the facility of getting plots in Delhi.