Ahmedabad civic body approves 99-year lease at Re 1 rent for RSS-linked group
The standing committee of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has made a significant decision. Members approved a proposal to lease an existing office building to an organization connected with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This approval came during a meeting held on January 8.
Details of the approved lease
The committee agreed to grant a 99-year lease for the office space located on a reserve plot in Gota. The organization will pay a token annual rent of just one rupee. The building was originally constructed as a central office for managing centers under the Gyan Mandir project.
The lease comes with specific conditions. The space must be used strictly for office work purposes. Following the committee's approval, the proposal now moves to the AMC's estate department for further processing.
Support and justification for the proposal
Standing committee members Aarti Panchal and Dashrath Patel moved the proposal with their support. They cited the objectives and activities of the Gyan Mandir project as justification.
The project draws inspiration from the Dr Hedgewar Janmashatabdi Seva Samiti in Ahmedabad. It undertakes daily service work across approximately 96 locations in the city's western zone.
This service work includes:
- Providing free education to children
- Conducting character-building activities
- Serving children from socially and economically backward sections
- Working with both school-going children (Classes 3 to 8) and those not attending school
The proposal stated that the long-term goal involves establishing 141 Gyan Mandir centers throughout the western zone. A central office becomes necessary for proper coordination and management of these centers.
Accordingly, the standing committee approved leasing the specific office space. The location is TP No 29 (Gota–Chandlodiya–Sola), Final Plot No 97/1. The lease period extends for 99 years at the symbolic rent of Re 1 per year.
Policy concerns raised anonymously
An AMC official speaking anonymously has raised important questions about the decision. The official pointed to potential conflicts with existing state government policies.
According to the state government's Land Disposal Policy, plots cannot be allotted to institutions, companies or individuals at a token rent of Re 1. The policy also prohibits leasing properties for 99 years without conducting an auction first.
The anonymous official explained the next steps in the process. Following the standing committee's approval, authorities will value the plot and the existing construction. Only after this valuation will further proceedings begin.
This development highlights how civic decisions sometimes intersect with broader policy frameworks. The symbolic rent and extended lease period represent notable aspects of this particular arrangement.
