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CAG flags Rs 29.45 crore unfruitful expenditure as 81 acres of Baprola land lie unused
India🏛️ PoliticsCenter15 days ago

CAG flags Rs 29.45 crore unfruitful expenditure as 81 acres of Baprola land lie unused

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted significant financial mismanagement by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), which acquired 137.63 acres of land in Baprola in 2006 for development projects such as a Gems and Jewellery Park and a Fashion Design Hub. Despite paying Rs 38.09 crore for the land and initial ground rent, only 56.21 acres were used, leaving 81.42 acres unused for over 17 years. This led to an unproductive expenditure of Rs 29.45 crore. Multiple changes in the planned use of the land, including shifting to a Knowledge-Based Industrial (KBI) Park and later proposing an Electronics City, delayed implementation. Additionally, DSIIDC failed to pay annual ground rent from 2007 to 2024, creating a liability of Rs 15.79 crore.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has highlighted significant financial mismanagement in the allocation and utilization of land in southwest Delhi's Baprola area. According to a report presented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in the Delhi Assembly, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) allowed 81.42 acres of land to remain unused for over 17 years, leading to an unfruitful expenditure of Rs 29.45 crore. The land was initially acquired from the Rural Development Department (RDD) in December 2006 for 99 years, with the intent to develop a "Gems and Jewellery Park" and a "Fashion Design Hub." The acquisition cost included Rs 38.09 crore paid to the RDD in January 2007 for the land and the first year's ground rent. The audit conducted from April 2019 to March 2023 revealed that only 56.21 acres of the allocated land had been utilized, leaving nearly 59% of the total area untouched. This prolonged non-utilization was attributed to frequent changes in the proposed use of the land. In 2010, following limited developer interest in the initial plans, the project was revised to include a Knowledge Based Industrial (KBI) Park. A consultant's report in March 2012 deemed the KBI Park financially viable, yet the proposal remained in the planning phase until 2018. A subsequent assessment in 2019 determined that the project was no longer viable under current market conditions. In August 2019, the Delhi industries minister opted to abandon the KBI Park idea and instead propose the development of shop-cum-office spaces and factories at the site. However, this plan did not materialize. By 2022-23, the Delhi government introduced a new proposal to establish an Electronics City on the available industrial land at Baprola. Despite this, the CAG noted that no substantial progress had been made by November 2024. The reason cited was the pending approval of the Delhi Electronic System Design, Manufacturing and Refurbishment Policy 2024-29, which was still under consideration. Additionally, the CAG identified another issue related to the ongoing financial obligations of DSIIDC. It was found that the corporation had not settled the annual ground rent for the period spanning from December 2007 to December 2024, creating an outstanding liability of Rs 15.79 crore. The report warned that this liability could escalate further due to accrued interest and penalties. The repeated shifts in the project's objectives and the lack of decisive action have led to the wastage of a considerable portion of the allocated land. The CAG's findings underscore the inefficiencies in how public resources are being managed and utilized in the state's infrastructure development initiatives. The situation highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the decision-making processes involving large-scale land acquisitions and developmental projects. As the policy under discussion continues to await approval, the fate of the 81.42 acres remains uncertain, with the potential for additional financial implications for the state exchequer.

2 reports

Times of India logoTimes of IndiaIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 8215 days ago
CAG flags Rs 29.45 crore unfruitful expenditure as 81 acres of Baprola land lie unused

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted significant financial mismanagement by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), which acquired 137.63 acres of land in Baprola in 2006 for development projects such as a Gems and Jewellery Park and a Fashion Design Hub. Despite paying Rs 38.09 crore for the land and initial ground rent, only 56.21 acres were used, leaving 81.42 acres unused for over 17 years. This led to an unproductive expenditure of Rs 29.45 crore. Multiple changes in the planned use of the land, including shifting to a Knowledge-Based Industrial (KBI) Park and later proposing an Electronics City, delayed implementation. Additionally, DSIIDC failed to pay annual ground rent from 2007 to 2024, creating a liability of Rs 15.79 crore.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the CAG's findings regarding mismanagement and financial waste by a government body. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or editorializing. The content remains neutral in tone, focusing on the audit results and the sequence of un

Why factuality (88): The article provides detailed and specific information about the unutilized land and associated costs, matching the CAG report's findings. The timeline and financial figures are consistent with other reports, showing a high level of factual accuracy. The explanation of the changing plans and their i

Why objectivity (82): The article maintains a balanced perspective, presenting the facts without apparent bias. While it highlights the inefficiencies and mismanagement, it does so based on documented evidence rather than subjective judgment, keeping the tone professional and impartial.

The Indian Express logoThe Indian ExpressIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8016 days ago
CAG report flags lapses in Delhi’s power subsidy scheme, e-procurement system

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has highlighted significant lapses in Delhi's power subsidy scheme and e-procurement system in a recent report. The findings indicate inefficiencies and potential misuse of public funds, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in government operations. The report calls for immediate corrective measures to address these issues and improve governance. While the CAG's role is to audit and evaluate government spending, the report underscores the need for stricter oversight and reform in critical public services.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report by the CAG, which is an independent auditing body, without overtly endorsing or criticizing any political party or ideology. It focuses on systemic issues within government programs rather than taking a partisan stance. The framing remains neutral, emphasizing a

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the findings of the CAG report regarding lapses in Delhi's power subsidy scheme and e-procurement system. It aligns with the cross-source consensus that these systems have significant issues. The details about the Baprola land and financial figures are specific and mat

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the findings in a neutral manner, focusing on the facts reported by the CAG. While there is some emphasis on the negative aspects of the government's handling of the projects, it does not overtly criticize or praise any political entity, maintaining a generally objective tone.

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