Hyderabad: Government bodies owe crores of rupees in rent to the state Housing Board. These government bodies occupy Housing Board buildings on either side of MJ Road, Nampally.
Way back on April 1, 2004, the government had fixed the rent on the basis of area of the building, with a provision to enhance it every succeeding year.
The rent is fixed at Rs 21.43 per square feet, said board commissioner and vice-chairperson Chitra Ramachandran. Most departments have not cleared their arrears and have continued to default on rent. Others are paying at the old rates. The heads of the offices have stated that the funds allocated to them are inadequate, and they are not in a position to pay the enhanced rent.
“The board is facing a financial crisis. It is not in a position to pay salaries and pensions. Besides, there is an income-tax liability of Rs 2,400 crore,” Ms Ramachandran said. The board has written to the Chief Secretary to release the funds, she said.
The tenants
- AP State Social Welfare Advisory Board
- AP & TS Residential Education Board
- Inquiry commission for STS
- Gagan Vihar Building
- Groundwater department
- Wakf Tribunal
- Chandra Vihar Building
- Vigilance and Enforcement
- TS Biodiversity Education
- Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
- Central Board for Workers Education
- Manoranjan building
- Gruhakalpa building
