New Delhi, March 20: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has approved a significant policy reform regarding Infrastructure Charges (IFC), providing substantial relief to common consumers and developing agencies. High IFC rates have long posed a major obstacle to construction and redevelopment in Delhi.
Under the leadership of Water Minister Pravesh Sahib Singh, the DJB has implemented an interim yet effective solution, offering immediate relief to millions whose projects were stalled due to elevated IFC rates.
Key decisions include allowing consumers and developers to obtain a provisional No Objection Certificate (NOC) by paying only 25% of the total IFC at the time of building plan approval. The remaining amount will be adjusted later according to applicable rates at the time of final water connection approval.
In recent years, changes in the IFC calculation system—from an occupancy-based model to a floor area-based model—have led to significant increases. In many cases, fees surged by five to ten times, placing a heavy financial burden on citizens and halting construction and redevelopment activities.
As a result, many property owners were unable to secure NOCs, causing continuous delays in building approvals and projects.
Speaking on this decision, Pravesh Sahib Singh stated, “We received continuous complaints that high IFC rates were preventing people from building their homes. This was neither fair to citizens nor effective for the system. We decided to address this from a practical and humane perspective.”
He further added, “We are making the system more user-friendly, rather than forcing people to struggle with it. Now, construction can begin with just a 25% payment, and the remaining amount will be fairly adjusted later.”
Highlighting the broader vision, he noted, “This reform aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ Our goal is to simplify processes, remove obstacles, and empower citizens and developers to move forward without delays. We aim to make Delhi a model of efficient and citizen-friendly administration.”
The main benefits include immediate approvals for stalled projects, faster approvals and construction progress, a significant reduction in initial financial burdens, and increased transparency and flexibility within the system.
Additionally, as an extra relief measure, properties up to 200 square meters will be exempt from IFC, while larger plots will also benefit from a revised and rationalized framework. It is estimated that in many cases, total IFC liabilities could decrease by 50% to 70%, significantly reducing the cost burden on citizens.
Pravesh Sahib Singh emphasized, “Our aim is not to increase revenue but to create a fair and balanced system. When people can pay easily, the system will be stronger. We are committed to making home construction in Delhi simple, fast, and transparent.”
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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