Delhi's new slum rehabilitation policy promises permanent homes to 5 lakh families

The Delhi government has notified a new slum rehabilitation policy aimed at providing permanent homes to nearly five lakh families, covering about 20 lakh people.The policy will cover eligible settlements established before January 1, 2025. It prioritises rehabilitation at the existing site or relocation within a three-kilometre radius so that families can remain close to their workplaces, schools and other essential facilities.Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the policy would give momentum to the 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makan' scheme. Under the Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026, eligible families will receive one-bedroom, hall and kitchen housing units.The residential complexes will include schools, anganwadi centres, healthcare facilities and playgrounds. Families living in slum settlements established before January 1, 2025, will not be removed unless they are provided alternative accommodation. The policy also provides separate housing units for independent families living on different floors of the same structure. Families that include persons with disabilities will be given priority for homes on the ground floor.Common infrastructure, services and security arrangements at the residential complexes will be maintained for five years from the date of the first allotment. Homes will be allotted through a computerised draw of lots. A centralised digital platform based on geographic information system technology will be developed to monitor projects, manage allotments and maintain beneficiary records, according to PTI.A grievance redressal and appeal mechanism will also be set up to address objections raised by eligible families.For redevelopment at existing sites under the public-private partnership model, developers will arrange temporary housing or rented accommodation for affected families. They may also provide financial assistance for rent during the redevelopment period.Gupta said the policy seeks to ensure that families living in slums receive not only housing but also dignity, security and access to better living facilities. She said it was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'antyodaya' and the welfare of the poor.Overall, the policy seeks to provide permanent homes and essential facilities to eligible slum-dwelling families while prioritising rehabilitation at or near their existing settlements.- Ends