Revenue in focus, Delhi government may rope in private players for upkeep of community centres

“These are mostly used for activities related to healthcare, education, adult literacy, skill upgradation, gymnasium, yoga, or for running a library for the underprivileged, slum-dwellers, and people living in nearby colonies. While the ground floors of these centers and halls are lent on rent for social functions like marriage and birthday parties…. it has been observed that the utilisation of space has been poor, in general,” said officials.

Of the total community centers and halls, at least 60 are said to be lying unused or partly used. “At present, community centers and halls are only being offered to the public for marriage and social functions, and are normally booked during marriage seasons. During the remaining period of the year, the buildings almost remain abandoned… This is also not providing any revenue…. Keeping all this in mind, the government has proposed to operationalise these facilities on PPP (public-private partnership) model,” said a senior official.

Under the PPP model, DUSIB will license these spaces through e-auction for five years to interested private players, registered societies, NGOs, and charitable trusts having experience in operating similar facilities, and the private agency will make the initial investment required to popularise these units.

“This will also increase revenue and the vacant spaces at the community centers will be utilised. A revised policy for the management of community centres, halls, chaupal has been drafted. The DUSIB will identify the centers where the present online system is not encouraging and it will decide the terms and conditions for the auction process,” said the officials.

At present, the allotment for the community centres is being made to the government agencies only. The rates of open space will be Rs 2.50 per square feet per month, Rs 10 per square feet per month for the party hall, and Rs 5 per square feet per month for other built-up areas, said officials.

“The revised policy has been prepared and submitted for the approval of the board… Once the approval comes, the auction process will start… After the wedding season, these centers either lie vacant and proper maintenance does not take place. With the PPP model, the place will be well-maintained and both the government and the public will benefit,” an official added.