For better efficiency, DDA wants new HQs

What can make the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) more people-friendly and less corrupt? A swanky, new headquarter building, if you believe DDA babus.

What can make the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) more people-friendly and less corrupt? A swanky, new headquarter building, if you believe DDA babus.

HT Image

This is one of the suggestions that have come up after DDA, the country’s largest land development agency, asked for suggestions from its own employees to improve its public image.

The feedback received includes suggestion like better training for employees, removing disparity of cadres in matters of salary and promotion, simpler procedures and faster disposal of public grievances, among others.

Employees, in large numbers, have responded that the DDA headquarters, Vikas Sadan, is drab and intimidating.

“They feel the building should be beautified and there should be more landscaping, so people get a welcoming feel when they visit here,” said a senior DDA official who did not wish to be identified.

DDA asked its employees for suggestions after being directed by Delhi’s Lt. Governor Tejendra Khanna, who is also Chairman, DDA. DDA has collected more than 200 suggestions from across ranks and departments and categorised them.

“There are many suggestions that are generic in nature but there are lots of specific suggestions also,” the official said.

“Many employees have said they don’t have the required skills of dealing with consumers. They have asked for special training programmes,” he said.

“We already have started preparing training modules suited to each department.”

There are many employees who have said what many DDA’s consumers also believe, its procedures are complicated and need to be simplified.

Getting work done at DDA, like converting your property from leasehold to freehold, can take months, if not years, thanks to endless paper work and approvals.

The DDA spokeswoman confirmed that suggestions have been received from employees and will be sent to the L-G soon.

“Under the LG’s direction, many new steps have been taken to reorient the organisation to higher performance and ensure consumer satisfaction,” she said.