Gujarat Government Rejects School's Bid for Permanent Playground Lease in Ahmedabad
The Gujarat state government has firmly rejected a three-year-old proposal from Prakash School, which sought a permanent lease for a 4,521 square meter playground plot in Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, at a nominal token rent. This decisive action is expected to deter 13 other schools in western Ahmedabad from making similar requests, reinforcing strict adherence to land-use regulations.
Background and Timeline of the Proposal
Prakash School initially approached the authorities in 2023, requesting a permanent allotment of Final Plot No. 475 under the Town Planning Scheme 1/B. After the standing committee dismissed the proposal, the school resubmitted its application. On August 8, 2024, the committee forwarded the matter to the state government, which has now officially struck it down, citing legal constraints.
Historical Context of School Plots in Ahmedabad
Notably, the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) had previously sold 14 plots for school construction in areas including Bodakdev, Vejalpur, Thaltej, Ghatlodia, and Memnagar. Alongside these, 14 adjacent plots were leased to the respective schools exclusively for use as playgrounds. These leases came with specific conditions:
- The land must be used solely for sports and recreational activities.
- The playground must remain open to children in the neighborhood for a designated period each day.
Since these areas were merged into the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) limits in 2007, the corporation has been collecting annual rent based on jantri rates. Several schools have repeatedly sought permanent allotment to avoid these annual payments, leading to ongoing disputes.
Legal and Judicial Interventions
The issue had earlier reached the Gujarat High Court following complaints that schools were misusing the plots and denying access to local children. In response, the court ordered the AMC to ensure playgrounds remain open and mandated the installation of notice boards to inform parents of access rights. These plots are crucial for children in the western zones of Ahmedabad, where open spaces are increasingly scarce.
Official Stance and Legal Framework
An AMC source emphasized, "The Town Planning Act clearly states that playground plots cannot be sold or permanently transferred to anyone. The law is clear, yet such requests are often placed before the standing committee. Since the committee lacks the authority to decide on permanent allotment, such matters are forwarded to the state government." This underscores the government's commitment to upholding urban planning laws and preserving public recreational spaces.
Current Status and Implications
The 14 private schools in the western area currently hold a combined total of 58,040 square meters of playground land on a leasehold basis. The rejection of Prakash School's proposal sets a significant precedent, likely discouraging other institutions from pursuing similar permanent lease requests. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between school administrations seeking financial relief and regulatory bodies prioritizing community access and legal compliance.
As Ahmedabad continues to urbanize, the preservation of playgrounds remains a critical issue, with the government's stance aiming to balance educational needs with public welfare and environmental sustainability.
