Civic body to let out halls for art shows, seminars

In a bid to boost art and culture in the city, municipality owned community halls in East Delhi can now also be used to host seminars and art shows -- but at double the normal fee. Earlier, they were only let out for marriages and religious functions. Hamari Jamatia reports.

In a bid to boost art and culture in the city, municipality owned community halls in East Delhi can now also be used to host seminars and art shows -- but at double the normal fee. Earlier, they were only let out for marriages and religious functions.

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The corporation has also decided that the larger community halls that have separate entries could also be booked in parts. In effect, more than one event can be held simultaneously at one community hall. The corporation officials said the decision has been taken for optimum utilisation of the facilities apart from increasing the civic body's revenue.

"Presently, community halls are booked only for marriages and other social functions, but we frequently get such requests from organisations. Even the public need to organise other events at the community halls. We have decided to allow booking of community halls for other purposes," said SS Yadav, Commissioner of East Corporation.

However, the new scheme will be costlier. People organising commercial functions will have twice the amount than those holding social functions.

"The rate for hosting commercial events by 'for profit' organisations will be double the rate for social functions and bookings by NGOs. Apart from that, such bookings will not be allowed more than one month in advance," an official said.

Though the Delhi government asked the corporation to remove the mandatory need of a councillor's permission to book halls, the standing committee said it is important for councillors to be kept in the loop.