Policy Update
Asmeet Kaur
Background
Unregulated and accelerated urbanization has fueled the expansion of unauthorised colonies, particularly in major metropolitan areas. The issue is especially pronounced in Delhi, where large numbers of migrants have settled over the years without access to formal housing options. The significant consequences faced by residents living in unauthorised colonies: they do not own the land on which they live, and they cannot legally transfer it; and the service provisioning is usually insufficient. Nearly one-third of Delhi’s population resides in such colonies, which are deprived of civic amenities and secure tenure.
To address this persistent issue, the Government of India 2019 launched the Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorized Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) in October 2019. This scheme aims to provide the legal Ownership rights to the residents of almost 1700 such colonies. It was a landmark initiative administered by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to grant millions of urban residents dignity, security, and empowerment. It recognizes property rights through commonly available documents such as a General Power of Attorney (GPA), Agreement to Sell, or a Will, thereby making the process more accessible to residents.
Functioning
The PM-UDAY scheme, managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), operates through a fully digitized and user-friendly online portal. This approach streamlines the process, significantly reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. The entire procedure is designed to be transparent, with a clear, trackable flow.
1. Application Process
Residents initiate the process by applying on the dedicated PM-UDAY portal. They are required to provide their personal and property details and upload essential documents like the General Power of Attorney (GPA), Agreement to Sell, Will, and proof of possession and payment.
2. Geo-spatial Mapping
After a resident submits their application, a mandatory Geographic Information System (GIS) survey is conducted. Empanelled agencies perform this survey to precisely delineate the boundaries of the property and the overall colony layout. This step is crucial for formalizing and mapping the urban landscape.
3. Verification and Approval
Once the application and GIS data are submitted, DDA officials begin their online scrutiny. A DDA survey team then conducts a physical field survey to verify the details provided in the application and the GIS survey.
4. Payment and Issuance of Deed
Following successful verification, the DDA notifies the applicant of the payable charges, which are calculated based on the property’s area. After the payment is made, the DDA issues a Conveyance Deed (CD) or an Authorization Slip (AS), formally granting the resident legal ownership rights.
The scheme also provides support through help desks and “PM-UDAY Mitra” (friends of PM-UDAY) to assist residents who may not be familiar with the technology.
Performance
Since its launch, PM-UDAY has witnessed a mixed trajectory, with a slow start but gradual acceleration in recent months.”So far, more than 1.32 lakh applications have come in, and about 1.31 lakh are already under process.
However, the scheme has also encountered significant challenges. Approximately 37,000 applications have been rejected, primarily due to incomplete documentation or ineligibility, while more than 55,000 remain pending—largely because applicants either lack clarity about the requirements or struggle to fulfill them.
To make things easier, Single Window Camps were set up where people could get help with the process in one place. These camps have already seen 19,313 visitors, including 3,599 first-time applicants. The response has been so strong that officials now suggest extending the initiative until March 2025 so that more residents can benefit.
In fact, to speed things up, sub-registrars were sent directly to these camps. The results were immediate — in just eight days, officials issued 1,152 transfer deeds and authorization certificates, while sub-registrars registered 283 plots. For many property owners, this means that all their legal formalities can finally be wrapped up in a single visit, instead of running around different offices.
Impact
The PM-UDAY Scheme has a multilayered impact on the lives of the people and the urban landscape of Delhi.
- Social and economic empowerment: The most important impact is the granting of legal ownership, which gives a sense of security and dignity to millions of inhabitants who were constantly living in fear of displacement. Legal ownership allows them to access the formal financial services, which were previously impossible. This shift has had a direct impact on their financial stability and prospects.
- Improved Infrastructure and Urban Development: The regulation of colonies opens the way for the development of modern infrastructure. The DDA now also provides essential services like proper roads, green spaces, and a better water and sewer system. This scheme is licensed for the approval of the building plans, allowing residents to construct safe and legal structures.
- Enhanced Property Value: The values of properties in these colonies have increased with legal ownership. This permits owners to sell, buy, or mortgage their properties without legal obstacles.
Emerging Issues
Although the plan is important and transformational, there are a few things that need to be addressed:
Documentation Difficulty: Obtaining the necessary paperwork is challenging, particularly for older properties. Many citizens’ applications are denied because they do not have a complete chain of ownership paperwork. Years of unofficial property transfers make claims more difficult.
Bureaucratic Delays: Although the procedure is conducted online, many people complain about the bureaucratic delays that occur during the verification and scrutiny phases. The process may be slowed down by the requirement for several clearance levels and the time between applications and approvals.
Financial Barriers: Some residents may be deterred from applying by the high expense of legal and documentation services, as well as the DDA fees. For low-income households, the conveyance deed fees may be prohibitive.
Way Forward
To ensure the long-term success of the scheme, a comprehensive approach is required, moving beyond broad actions to specific, actionable strategies. Here are some of the ways to address the challenges:
1. Awareness Campaigns
Instead of just door-to-door campaigns, a multi-pronged strategy is needed to ensure effective public awareness and engagement.
- Targeted Community Engagement: Organize neighborhood-level workshops with community leaders and resident welfare associations (RWAs). These sessions can be used to address specific concerns and clarify misconceptions.
- Leverage Digital Media: Launch a social media campaign using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and local WhatsApp groups to share success stories, testimonials from beneficiaries, and simple, engaging infographics. This can create a sense of trust and community buy-in.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with local NGOs and community organizations that have established trust in the colonies. These partners can act as intermediaries and help disseminate information more effectively.
2. Strengthening Implementation
To move beyond just streamlining processes, the government must adopt a more strategic and tech-driven approach to enhance efficiency and accountability.
- Single-Window Clearance System: Establishment of a standardised digital portal through which residents can submit all necessary documents for approval. This system will serve as a “single window clearance” mechanism so that residents no longer have to visit multiple offices.
- Digital Grievance Redressal: Introduce a dedicated digital complaints system through which residents can track the status of their applications and submit complaints. This system will ensure transparency and accountability and enable the authorities to resolve issues promptly.
- Inter-Departmental Coordination: Create an inter-departmental task force with representatives from all relevant government bodies. This will facilitate faster communication and decision-making, eliminating bureaucratic delays caused by a lack of coordination.
3. Integration with Urban Planning
Beyond creating master plans, a proactive approach that focuses on sustainable and inclusive development is essential.
- Phased Infrastructure Development: Develop a phased plan for infrastructure development, prioritizing essential services such as water supply, sanitation, and electricity. This ensures that the scheme’s benefits are realized in a structured and timely manner.
- Green and Sustainable Solutions: Integrate green infrastructure and sustainable solutions into the master plans. This includes creating green spaces, using renewable energy sources, and implementing efficient waste management systems to create a more livable environment.
- Community Participation in Planning: Encourage active community participation in the urban planning process. Hold public consultations and town hall meetings to gather feedback and incorporate the needs and preferences of the residents into the final plan. This ensures that the solutions are tailored to the community’s specific requirements.
References
- https://dda.gov.in/pm_uday/scheme#:~:text=Many%20of%20the%20projections%20made,people%20from%20the%20neighboring%20States.
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1742258#:~:text=The%20scheme%20allows%20registration%20of,by%20residents%20of%20unauthorised%20colonies.
- https://www.govtschemes.in/pm-uday-scheme
- https://dda.gov.in/pm-uday/current-status
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/challenges-faced-by-residents-in-pm-uday-scheme-implementation/articleshow/112357666.cms#:~:text=Chaddha%20added%2C%20%E2%80%9CPeople%20are%20also,been%20started%20in%20zonal%20offices.%E2%80%9D
- https://www.legalkart.com/legal-blog/dda-extends-pm-uday-single-window-camps-till-march-2025-key-updates#:~:text=Infrastructure%20and%20Accessibility%20Issues%3A%20Not,campaigns%20through%20community%20outreach%20programs.
- https://legalassist.co.in/empowering-delhis-unauthorized-colonies-the-pm-uday-yojana-revolution/#:~:text=Concessions%3A%20Available%20for%20economically%20weaker,Additional%20Initiatives
About the Contributor
Asmeet Kaur is a researcher at IMPRI and an undergraduate student at Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi University, with a keen interest in Public policy and administration.
Acknowledgment: The author sincerely thanks the IMPRI team for their valuable support.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organization.
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