New Delhi: The process of granting ownership rights to houses in unauthorised colonies may be transferred from Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to Delhi govt soon, officials said.The process, started by DDA in 2019 under PM-Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY), was among the most significant policy decisions for residents and owners of houses in unauthorised colonies, who till then did not have any ownership rights.As per the proposal, the process will be taken care of by the Delhi govt’s urban development department. The idea is to streamline the process and reduce the multiplicity of agencies involved. “Although the transition was initially slated to take effect from April 1, with an official announcement expected from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, legal aspects are being examined. This is because much of the land belongs to DDA and several other issues need to be resolved,” an official said.Under the scheme, house owners can get ownership or mortgage rights in 1,731 unauthorised colonies, which are estimated to house around 40 lakh people. Officials said the scheme is proposed to be implemented on an “as is where is” basis.If the transfer takes place, the urban development department will handle regularisation, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be responsible for checking building violations and misuse.Sources added that the move is also being viewed in the context of the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for next year. Following the transfer of this process, the elected representatives are likely to play a more active role in engaging with residents and applicants, helping to expedite property registration in these colonies.As per the current scheme provisions, applications are submitted online through a portal on DDA’s website or through a mobile application. Documents such as registered sale deeds, power of attorney, agreements to sell, payment receipts, and proof of possession are required. The scheme applies to colonies that existed as of 2019, covering land owned by both private and government entities.To address grievances and streamline the process, the DDA has been conducting regular public hearings across various areas, allowing applicants to raise concerns and seek resolution but the response has been lukewarm.As of August 2, 2025, the DDA had received 1.32 lakh applications under the scheme, of which 1.31 lakh have been processed. A total of 34,858 conveyance deeds or authorisation slips have been issued granting ownership rights, while 37,195 applications have been rejected or deemed ineligible.
