In the digital era of free access to information and documents, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has earned ₹ 2.09 crore in less than three weeks from applicants downloading digital booklets for its schemes at ₹ 1,100 each without being given a physical copy.
Subsequently, bookings opened for both schemes. Approximately 11,618 booklets were purchased for the Varun Vihar Scheme and 7,424 for the Naimish Nagar Scheme, according to senior LDA officials.
An LDA official revealed that as per a Government of India mandate to reduce paper and promote digitalisation, paid booklets are now being digitalised using serial numbers. Now that things have become digitalised, why is the authority charging such a hefty amount unnecessarily? Many applicants do not even follow up on the booklet charges after the process, and the authority does not refund the amount, even after deductions.
The authority introduced the new ERP system on April 4, 2025 through which applicants download the booklet online now. Vivek Sharma, a resident of Srishti Apartment, said that when he purchased a flat in the apartment complex, he paid less than ₹ 750 for the booklet and received a physical copy. “When I purchased the flat, the booklet charges were less than ₹ 750, and I received a physical copy. There may be only 300-350 plots available, but around 3,000 people apply for them. Similarly, Krishna Rohit, a resident of Rapti Apartment in Gomti Nagar Extension, said he had purchased a flat in 2009, when the project was launched. He recalled paying around ₹ 750 for the booklet at a time when a physical copy was also provided.
An LDA senior official said the authority counts the money collected through booklet sales as part of its income. Earlier, the money was charged for providing a physical copy of the booklet,” he said.
Previously, the authority charged a lower amount for physical copies of its scheme booklets.
