The central government on October 23, Wednesday, said that around 40,00,000 people living in unauthorised colonies in New Delhi will be given ownership rights. Ministers claimed that nearly 1,800 colonies have been marked for the big move.

Regulations for conferring, recognising ownership or mortgage and transfer rights to residents of Unauthorised Colonies (UCs) in Delhi were approved by the Union cabinet.

Further, the cabinet approved bringing a Bill in the Parliament’s next session to implement the proposal.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar said that this big move is based on the recommendations of a committee.

“It has been decided to give ownership rights to 40,00,000 people living in unauthorised colonies of Delhi,” India Today quoted Prakash Javadekar as saying, briefing media on decisions taken by the Modi cabinet.

How Will The Move Impact People Living In Unauthorised Colonies?

This move will help development/redevelopment take place in these unauthorised colonies resulting in a clean, secure and healthy living environment. It will benefit over 40,00,000 residents of unauthorised colonies spread over an area of around 175 sq km.

Major issues being faced by the residents of UCs will be addressed, such as lack of ownership/transfer rights, provision of basic infrastructure and civic amenities.

The property holders in these colonies will be able to enter into valid property transactions, with recognition of property documents. The decision will provide a legitimate claim to the property, and also encourage property holders to invest in safe structures. If this happens, living conditions in these colonies will improve substantially.

The decision is applicable to 1,797 identified UCs, all of which are inhabited by lower-income group society. 69 affluent colonies identified by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), including Sainik Farms, Mahendru Enclave and Anant Ram Dairy, will not be affected by the decision.

Based on carpet area/plot size, the rights will be conferred on payment of a nominal charge. For colonies on government land, the charge will be 0.5 per cent (for less than 100 sq m), 1 percent (for 100 – 250 sqm) and 2.5 per cent (for greater than 250 sqm), of the circle rate of highest category of locality of the residential area that surrounds the UC. 

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