FOR FAVOUR OF PUBLICATION

NEW DELHI, Feb. 1—Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Shri Jai Prakash Agarwal, MP today welcomed the Union Urban Development Ministry's decision to issue the direction that notwithstanding any judgement, decree or order of court, steps shall be taken by the local authority, including desealing, to maintain status quo as on 1 January, 2006 in respect of encroachment or unauthorised development.

Shri Agarwal thanked Union Urban Development Minister Shri Jaipal Reddy and Minister of State Shri Ajay Maken for the ministry's direction which will give a massive relief to the people of Delhi from the sealing and demolition drive, which the BJP-ruled MCD was selectively applying to harass the common people of Delhi .

Shri Agarwal said the direction of the Ministry that all notices issued by any local authority for initiating action against encroachment or unauthorised development shall be suspended and no punitive action shall be taken till 31 December, 2008 was a step in the right direction, which would free the people of Delhi from the demon of the BJP-ruled MCD's sealing and demolition drive.

Shri Agarwal demanded that the ruling BJP govt. in MCD should immediately issue one line order, authorising the affected individuals and traders to de-seal their property/work places by themselves, without involving redtapism and bureaucracy in this matter, otherwise it would evolve corruption in the issue.

PRAMOD KUMAR
Office Secretary

The Chief Reporter

New Delhi.