Delhi CM Applauds Central Government for Major Regularization of Unauthorized Colonies
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has publicly commended the central government for its decisive move to regularize Delhi's unauthorized colonies under the PM-UDAY scheme. This initiative, based on an "As Is, Where Is" principle, marks a significant shift in urban policy, directly impacting millions of residents.
Streamlined Framework for 1,531 Colonies
Addressing a press conference at the National Media Centre on Tuesday, CM Gupta detailed that the new framework allows for the regularization of 1,531 colonies without the previously mandatory requirement of layout plan approval. This simplification is expected to accelerate the process dramatically, removing a major bureaucratic hurdle that had slowed progress since the scheme's inception in 2019.
All plots and buildings within these colonies will be uniformly treated as residential, providing clarity and legal security to inhabitants. This decision underscores the government's commitment to addressing long-standing issues in Delhi's urban landscape.
Expedited Timelines and Immediate Actions
To ensure swift implementation, strict timelines have been established. Joint surveys will be conducted by revenue officials, with the following deadlines:
- DDA-GIS survey completion within 7 days
- Deficiency resolution within 15 days
- Issuance of conveyance deeds within 45 days
Out of a total of 1,731 unauthorized colonies identified, 511 are set to be regularized immediately. The remaining colonies are excluded due to their locations in restricted zones, such as ridge areas, ozone-sensitive regions, or near protected monuments, ensuring environmental and heritage conservation.
Historical Context and Progress Under PM-UDAY
The Pradhan Mantri-Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) was launched in 2019 to grant ownership rights to residents. However, progress under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had been sluggish, primarily due to technical challenges, including layout plan approvals.
To date, approximately 40,000 conveyance deeds and authorization slips have been issued. The recent intervention by the Prime Minister and the Urban Ministry has catalyzed a major breakthrough, with the "As Is, Where Is" basis accepting existing constructions in their current form for legalization.
Relief for Residents and Small Traders
This regularization effort is poised to benefit around 50 lakh residents, equivalent to about 10 lakh families, living in unauthorized colonies. Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal Khattar emphasized that the move will provide substantial relief, particularly to small traders.
Small shops up to 20 square meters will also be regularized under specific conditions, integrating commercial activities into the legal framework. The application process is scheduled to commence on April 24, featuring a fast-tracked system designed to minimize delays.
Simplified Approval Process
Responsibility for approvals has been decentralized to Delhi's Revenue Department, with ADM-level officers acting as single-point approval authorities. This restructuring aims to reduce red tape and enhance efficiency. Authorisation certificates will be issued by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), further streamlining administrative procedures.
In summary, this initiative represents a pivotal step towards granting dignity and property rights to Delhi's unauthorized colony residents, backed by a robust and time-bound implementation strategy.
