Centre clears ‘as-is where | DD News

In a major policy decision aimed at addressing long-pending urban housing issues, the Centre has approved the regularisation of unauthorised colonies in Delhi on an “as-is where-is” basis, a move expected to benefit around 45 lakh residents across the national capital.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal described the development as a “historic moment” for Delhi’s residents, stating that the decision would encourage people to come forward and formally register their properties. He said the step builds on the Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY), launched in 2019 to confer ownership rights.

“This will not only provide legal ownership but also enable citizens to undertake construction or redevelopment of their homes in accordance with municipal norms,” the minister said, adding that the initiative reflects the government’s push for planned and inclusive urban development.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the move marks “a new chapter of relief, dignity, and rights” for millions of residents who had long been deprived of legal ownership despite living in their homes for years. She noted that 1,511 out of 1,731 unauthorised colonies have now been brought under the ambit of regularisation.

The application process will begin on April 24 through the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s SWAGAM portal for cases where conveyance deeds or authorisation slips have already been issued. Officials said a structured timeline has been put in place, including GIS-based surveys within seven days, correction of application deficiencies within 15 days, and issuance of ownership documents within 45 days.

Under the revised framework, the absence of approved layout plans – previously a major hurdle – will no longer block regularisation. All plots in eligible colonies will be treated as residential, and existing built-up structures will be regularised in their current condition. Small convenience shops will also be permitted under specified norms.

Authorities said local bodies will issue certificates of regularisation and facilitate infrastructure development, while the Delhi Development Authority and Revenue Department will coordinate the issuance of ownership documents.

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) acknowledged that response to the PM-UDAY scheme had been limited so far, with only about 40,000 conveyance deeds or authorisation slips issued as of March 31, 2026. The lack of approved layout plans had prevented residents from getting building plans sanctioned, limiting the scheme’s effectiveness.

With the latest decision, the MoHUA aims to move beyond ownership rights and provide a comprehensive solution that integrates regularisation, redevelopment, and urban planning, bringing unauthorised colonies into the mainstream of city development.