- Delhi residents in unauthorised colonies get relief as PM-UDAY rules are simplified.
- Properties to be processed on an “as is where is” basis, removing layout plan hurdles.
- Around 10 lakh families across 1,511 colonies set to benefit from faster regularis
The Government has extended relief to Delhi's unauthorised residents by easing the property rules under the PM-UDAY scheme. Around 10 lakh families will be benefited by the scheme, which will apply to 1,511 unauthorised colonies.
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced that properties under the PM-UDAY scheme will now be processed on an "as is where is" basis, effectively removing the mandatory requirement for sanctioned layout plans, as per The Economic Times.
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Cut-off Dates
To qualify for the PM-UDAY regularisation benefits, structures must have been built on or before the cut-off date of June 1, 2014. The "as-is where-is" policy applies exclusively to these existing structures, granting them legal status regardless of previous layout plan deficiencies.
However, this is not a blanket permission for future unregulated growth. Any new construction, expansion, or vertical addition started after this announcement must strictly adhere to the MCD Building Bye-laws and requires formally sanctioned building plans. To enforce this, the government has authorised the use of satellite imagery and drone surveys every two months to identify and penalise any fresh unauthorised construction.
No Planned Layout Needed
This policy shift addresses a significant bottleneck that had previously stalled the initiative, resulting in only 40,000 ownership documents being issued to date. By eliminating the need for these complex approvals, the government aims to drastically accelerate the distribution of ownership rights to residents in unauthorised colonies, providing much-needed legal clarity and relief to thousands of homeowners.
When and how to apply?
Starting April 24, residents of Delhi looking to secure legal title to their properties can navigate a streamlined application process designed for faster approvals. To begin, homeowners must have their building plans prepared by empanelled architects to ensure technical compliance. Once the documentation is ready, the application for ownership rights is submitted online via the PM-UDAY portal.
Under the updated administrative framework, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) remains responsible for issuing regularisation certificates, but the final ownership documents, conveyance deeds, will now be processed and issued by the Delhi government's revenue department.
Included & Excluded Sites
The PM-UDAY regularisation scheme covers a vast majority of Delhi's residential landscape, targeting 1,511 out of the 1,731 total unauthorised colonies. However, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has confirmed that certain areas remain strictly excluded due to environmental and socio-economic classifications.
The exclusions primarily target the Yamuna floodplain (O Zone) and protected forest and ridge areas to prevent ecological degradation. Furthermore, the scheme does not extend to 69 affluent colonies, including high-end neighbourhoods like Sainik Farms and Mahendru Enclave, which are subject to different regulatory standards.
Regulations for Shops
Under the new rules, convenience shops up to 20 sq meters can be regularised if they have access to a 6-meter right of way, while smaller shops up to 10 sq m may be permitted on even narrower roads.
A major relief for residents is the introduction of floor-wise regularisation, allowing individual owners to secure legal status for their specific floor independently. For those looking to the future, the policy sets clear guidelines for redevelopment: property owners may be required to surrender up to 50% of the land needed to meet road width standards (6 m internal and 9 m approach roads).
While Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits will be strictly applied based on the original plot size, any existing excess construction can be regularised by paying penalty charges equivalent to three times the standard FAR rates.
The government has implemented a rigorous "time-bound delivery" framework to eliminate delays in the regularisation process. A geospatial (GIS) survey must be completed within 7 days of application submission to verify property boundaries. If any discrepancies or deficiencies are found in the application, residents are given a 15-day window for rectification.
Once the application is cleared, the state is mandated to issue the final ownership documents (Conveyance Deeds or Authorisation Slips) within 45 days. The process, from initial filing to final approval, can be monitored through the MCD SWAGAM portal.
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