Haryana rejects army chief’s request for change of plot
Army chief General VK Singh, whose statutory complaint to change his date of birth has been rejected by the defence ministry, has faced another turndown — this time from Haryana over a plot he wanted swapped.
Gen Singh, who was given a one-kanal (420 sq metres) plot under the
Haryana government’s “preferential allotment” policy at a discounted rate in Panchkula, later sought a corner plot instead in the area.
He spoke to CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda for allotment of the corner plot, citing his mother’s ill health as the reason.
“His (Gen Singh’s) request was received through the chief minister. But the plot had been allotted to someone else and could not be given to the army chief. The government was informed about this two months ago,” said a Haryana Urban Development Authority official.
“Besides, the preferential allotment policy has no provision for alternative plots,” added the official. “Once the government agreed with this view, the army chief was also informed.”
In December 2010, Gen Singh was allotted plot 75 in Sector 4 of Mansa Devi Complex at Rs 22 lakh. The market price for the plot then was more than
Rs1.5 crore.
Under the “preferential allotment” policy, the government gives residential plots to domiciles of Haryana who have distinguished themselves in arts, culture, science and technology, social service, judiciary, defence or sports.
Gen Singh, who belongs to Bapora village in Bhiwani district, was allotted the plot out-of-turn after he approached the CM. After depositing 25% of the allotment price in April last year, he then requested for the corner plot. “My mother is not keeping good health due to her acute breathing and other health problems.
Living in a plot which is one side open and surrounded by plots from three sides would add to her health problems,” he wrote to the CM.
