The PM-UDAY scheme, launched in 2019 to grant property rights to residents of Delhi's unauthorised colonies, has seen limited success. Despite 122,729 applications, only 23,811 ownership rights have been granted. Challenges include bureaucratic hurdles, financial barriers, and difficulties obtaining required documents like the power of attorney. Many residents, particularly in areas like Najafgarh and Nangloi, struggle to meet these demands. While the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is making efforts to assist residents through camps and a bilingual online portal, the scheme's future remains uncertain as residents continue to face obstacles in securing basic services and ownership rights.
The Prime Minister's Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY), launched over four years ago, has not seen a significant rise in beneficiaries. Recent data indicates that of the 122,729 applications received, only 23,811 have gained ownership rights. South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, in a parliamentary session on July 25, highlighted the low conversion rate, particularly in areas like Najafgarh, Nangloi, Burari, and Kakrola.
About 30% of Delhi's population lives in one of the 1,737 unauthorised colonies, making this low participation rate especially concerning. Experts and residents alike have pointed to various obstacles that impede the effectiveness of the PM-UDAY scheme. Launched by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in 2019, the aim was to provide property rights and better living conditions for residents of slums and unauthorised areas.
Despite nearly 4.8 million individuals registering under the scheme, fewer than half have applied for ownership rights. Complications arise from the scheme's requirements, such as the need for a power of attorney, which many applicants find difficult to obtain due to the age of some documents.
Financial barriers also pose significant challenges. The costs involved in securing ownership, estimated at INR 60,000 for 50 square yards and INR 1 lakh for 100 square yards, discourage many applicants. Some residents are hesitant to commit these funds while also needing to navigate bureaucratic hurdles where most application-related processes take place.
The challenges do not end with ownership rights. Residents face additional difficulties in accessing basic services such as water and electricity. Dual connections in a shared household remains a struggle and the necessity of a no-objection certificate from the DDA complicates matters further.
In response to these ongoing challenges, DDA officials maintain that they are proactive in addressing residents' concerns. They have stated that regular camps are being held in unauthorised colonies to provide assistance and distribute informational brochures. The DDA has introduced additional staff known as PMUday-Mitra to help residents navigate the application process. Adjustments to the application form and the introduction of a bilingual online portal aim to simplify procedures for residents.
While public hearings at DDA headquarters and processing centres are encouraged, it remains unclear whether these initiatives will significantly improve participation rates. Residents continue to call for more accessible services, better communication, and quicker reforms within the system to foster trust and engagement with the PM-UDAY scheme.
As the DDA works to resolve these issues, the future of the PM-UDAY remains uncertain. Residents hope for faster approval of layout plans, which would pave the way for more efficient building plan approvals. Until then, the ongoing challenges of ownership rights, loan acquisition, and basic services will continue to hinder progress and leave many residents without the security they seek in their homes.
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