Norms for housing for slum dwellers eased by Delhi govt

The decision to ease the norms to benefit slum dwellers was taken at a cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

As per the cabinet decision, families which settled in a slum cluster not later than June 4, 2009 would be eligible to get low-cost government flats. Earlier, the cut-off date was March 31, 2007.

The cabinet also decided to rehabilitate people squatting on spaces marked as right of way (RoW) for government projects such as roads and flyovers.

As per existing norms, such squatters are not eligible for any rehabilitation by the government. Those squatting on the right of way will be rehabilitated provided they fulfill specific conditions, officials said.

"The cabinet approved a simplified and liberal guidelines for relocation of slum clusters as recommended by a Group of Ministers," Dikshit said after the cabinet meeting.

There are 685 slum clusters in the city, out of which 352 have come up on land owned by DDA while 333 slums have come up on land owned by Delhi government, railways, CPWD, NDMC, MCD, Cantonment Board and CPWD.

Officials said the government has decided to remove any slum cluster only after receipt of financial contribution of land owning agency for construction of low-cost flats.

Dikshit said around 15,000 flats are ready for distribution and the process for their allotment among slum dwellers will start soon. MORE