JIT show-cause notice to 4 lessees

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 6

The Jalandhar Improvement Trust (JIT) today issued a show-cause notice to two schools, an education society and a Trust, asking them to explain the violation of conditions for lease.

JIT Executive Officer Surinder Kumari has issued the notices to MGN Public School, Apeejay School, Dashmesh Education Society and KL Saigal Memorial. The four lessees had been given land for a special purpose with the condition of not using the sites for any profitable venture.

Land measuring 42 kanal, 14 marla and 37 square feet (over five acres) was given on lease by the JIT to Rajeshwari Kala Sangeet Academy under the New Jawahar Nagar scheme at the rate of Re 1 per annum in 1963. The reputed Apeejay School and Apeejay College are located on the same land for the past many decades. Similarly, 82 kanal, 17 marlas (over 10 acres) of land was given to MGN at the rate of Rs 600 per annum in Adarsh Nagar. However, both the institutions are reportedly making profits. The issue is being raked up since 2009.

Even the KL Saigal Memorial Trust has rented out two buildings within the compound, including one for a bank against the norms laid down in the lease. Dashmesh Education Society has reportedly not raised any construction since the land was leased out to it.

The EO said the management of the four institutions had been asked to reply within 15 days.