New Delhi, Nov. 5 -- The Delhi government has notified a new rehabilitation policy extending housing benefits to slum-dwelling families living in settlements established before January 1, 2025, potentially covering nearly five lakh families and 20 lakh people. The Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026, prioritises in-situ rehabilitation, with eligible beneficiaries to be provided permanent homes at their existing locations or within a three-kilometre radius.

Announcing the policy on Thursday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government's objective was not merely to remove slums but to ensure that eligible families get permanent homes where they can live safely and peacefully with their children.

Under the policy, eligible families will be provided 1-BHK housing units. The government will also prioritise 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makan' to ensure that rehabilitation does not disrupt residents' access to workplaces, schools and essential services. The proposed residential complexes will include schools, Anganwadi centres, healthcare facilities and playgrounds.

The policy also provides for separate housing units for independent families occupying different floors of the same structure, subject to eligibility and documentation requirements. Families with persons with disabilities will receive priority for ground-floor accommodation, subject to prescribed certification and availability.

To ensure transparency, allotments will be made through a computerised lottery, supported by a centralised GIS-based digital platform to monitor beneficiaries and prevent duplicate allotments. A grievance redressal and appeal mechanism will also be established.

In cases of redevelopment under the public-private partnership model, developers will have to arrange temporary accommodation or rental assistance for affected families during construction. Common facilities, infrastructure and security arrangements in the rehabilitated complexes will be maintained for five years from the first allotment.

Gupta said, "The government's objective is to ensure that poor families in Delhi receive not just a roof over their heads, but also dignity, security and access to better living facilities."

She added that the policy was inspired by PM Modi's vision of Antyodaya and Garib Kalyan.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.