CM vs former CM clash between N Rangasamy (left) and V Vaithilingam makes Thattanchavady the most high-profile seat

union territory of PuducherryA former French colony, voting is underway on Thursday with the ruling pan-India NR Congress (AINRC)-BJP alliance is trying to come to power for the second consecutive time.The Congress-DMK alliance has emerged as the main challenge to the AINRC-BJP National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which also includes the AIADMK and businessman Jose Charles Martin’s newly formed Lachia Jananagaya Katchi (LJK). Tamil superstar Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) is also in the fray, partnering with the Neyam Makkal Kazhagam (NMK) founded by independent MLA G Nehru Kuppusamy. Despite contesting its first election, TVK may take advantage of Vijay’s widespread popularity to garner a significant share of the votes.

Puducherry: what the statistics say

There are 33 seats in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, of which 30 are filled through direct elections. The remaining three members are nominated by the Central Government.

How did the parties perform in 2021?

After Special Intensive Revision (SIR), the final voter list of the Union Territory includes 944,211 voters. In comparison, the number of eligible voters in the 2021 assembly elections was 973,314, of whom 83.8% cast their votes.A total of 294 candidates will be in the fray in the upcoming elections, which is less than 323 in the elections held five years ago.

puducherry assembly election 2026

Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who founded the ruling AINRC in February 2011 after quitting the Congress, is contesting from both Thattanchavady and Mangalam. He had also contested from two constituencies in the last election, winning in Thattanchavady but losing in Yanam.

How the 2021 competition unfolded

Seat-by-seat analysis shows that in 13 constituencies, the winning candidate got less than 50% of the total votes polled in their constituency.The victory margin on seven seats was less than 1,000, including four seats where it was less than 500. For example, in Rangasamy Yanam, independent candidate Golapalli Srinivas lost to Ashoka by 655 votes. The lowest margin was recorded in Karaikal North, where the winner got only 135 votes more than the runner-up. On the other hand, in the remaining 17 constituencies, each winner got at least 50% of the total votes polled. Only three of the winning candidates won by a margin of 10,000 votes or more. Therefore, given Puducherry’s small population and limited electorate, even minor changes in vote share could determine the outcome in many constituencies.

Seats that can decide the outcome of 2026

Apart from the closely contested seats in 2021, several high-profile constituencies are also set to play a crucial role in determining whether the NDA or the Congress-DMK alliance will emerge victorious.Thattanchavadi: The most high-profile seat is Thattanchavady, as it could play a decisive role in determining the next Chief Minister of Puducherry. CM Rangasamy is the sitting MLA, and his main rival is former chief minister V Vaithilingam, currently the Lok Sabha MP from Puducherry and president of the Union Territory’s Congress unit.Rangasamy has won from here five times, defeating CPI candidate K Sethu Selvam by 5,456 votes in the last assembly elections.

Thattanchavady and Mangalam

Mangalam: This is the second constituency contested by Rangasamy, repeating his 2021 strategy when he also contested from Yanam. Mangalam is currently held by AINRC and was won by its candidate C Jekoumar, who defeated DMK’s Surya Kumaravel by 2,751 votes.Yanam: Another seat associated with Rangasamy is Yanam, which shares its name with one of the four districts that make up Puducherry. What is unique is that the district is surrounded by another state – Andhra Pradesh – Yanam is represented by independent Golapalli Srinivas Ashok, who defeated the AINRC founder-president in the last election.

Yanam and Mannadipet

Mannadipet: BJP Leader and Puducherry Home Minister A Namassivayam is the sitting MLA from Mannadipet, making it another important seat to watch. He is contesting from here again and has won against DMK’s A Krishnan by a margin of 2,750 votes.Indira Nagar: The seat is an AINRC stronghold and has been with the party since 2011. Rangasamy has represented it twice, while the sitting MLA is AKD Arumugam, whose victory margin—18,531—was the highest in 2021.

Indira Nagar and Nedungadu

Nedungdu: This is another seat dominated by AINRC and has been held by the party since 2011. The current MLA is Chandira Priyanga, who resigned in October 2023 and was the only woman minister in Rangasamy’s cabinet. Priyanga had won from here in 2016 also.Raj Bhavan: An urban constituency, the BJP will face a prestige test at Raj Bhavan as its Puducherry unit president VP Ramalingam is the candidate here. It is currently held by AINRC’s K Lakshminarayana, who also won in 2011 and 2016. In the outgoing assembly, Ramalingam served as one of the three MLAs nominated by the central government.

Raj Bhavan and Mudaliarpet

Mudaliarpet: BJP’s A Johnkumar is contesting against DMK’s sitting MLA L Sambath on this seat. Johnkumar, a minister in Chief Minister Rangasamy’s cabinet, is a former Congress MLA, who won from the Kamaraj Nagar constituency twice – first as a Congress candidate and later on a BJP ticket.Karaikal Answer: Only 135 votes separated the winner from the runner-up in 2021 as AINRC’s PRN Thirumurugan defeated Congress candidate AV Subramaniam. Thirumurugan is once again contesting from the seat from where he has won thrice in a row.

Karaikal North and Bahaur

Bahaur: One of the six seats won by the DMK in 2021 – when it emerged as the second-largest party and the principal opposition – Bahaur is represented by R Senthilkumar of the party led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The victory margin here (211) was the second lowest as the DMK candidate defeated AINRC’s N Dhanavelou.Mahe: Like Yanam, Mahe also comes and shares its name with a district that is completely surrounded by another state – Kerala. The victory margin in the last election was only 300, the third lowest that year. The seat previously held by the Congress was won by the grand old party’s Ramesh Parambath, who defeated independent challenger N Haridasan Master.

Mahe and Nelithope

Nelithope: Another constituency where the victory margin (496) was less than 500 five years ago, Nelithop was won by the BJP. Richards Jonakumar, son of Puducherry minister A Jonakumar, was the winner, while DMK’s V Karthikeyan was the runner-up.In the five Puducherry Assembly elections since 2001, voters in the union territory have not returned an incumbent government to power since the Congress-led coalition in 2006. In 2011, voters supported the AINRC within months of its formation, but the party folded after one term and was replaced by the Congress.

what happened in previous years

In the five Puducherry Assembly elections since 2001, voters in the union territory have not returned an incumbent government to power since the Congress-led coalition in 2006. In 2011, voters supported the AINRC within months of its formation, but the party folded after one term and was replaced by the Congress.All India NR Congress secured a second term in alliance with BJP in 2021, their second electoral partnership in Puducherry since joining hands for the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Ahead of the current assembly elections, Puducherry’s Union Territory status – and the BJP-led Centre’s decision not to grant full statehood – has emerged as a major political issue that could significantly impact the outcome.Counting of votes will take place on May 4 with four states – Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal – going to polls this month.

उत्तर प्रदेश के अयोध्या में इस बार डॉ. भीमराव अंबेडकर की जयंती खास तरीके से मनाई जाएगी. भारतीय जनता पार्टी ने 13 से 17 अप्रैल तक विभिन्न कार्यक्रम आयोजित करने की योजना बनाई है। इन कार्यक्रमों का उद्देश्य बाबा साहब के विचारों को घर-घर तक पहुंचाना और समाज में जागरूकता फैलाना है। इन कार्यक्रमों की विस्तृत रूपरेखा पार्टी कार्यालय सहादतगंज में हुई बैठक में तय की गई, जिसमें बड़ी संख्या में पदाधिकारी मौजूद रहे.

13 अप्रैल को स्वच्छता एवं सम्मान कार्यक्रम
महानगर अध्यक्ष कमलेश श्रीवास्तव ने बताया कि 13 अप्रैल को शहर में 17 स्थानों पर लगी डॉ. अंबेडकर की प्रतिमाओं पर सफाई अभियान चलाया जाएगा। इसके साथ ही इन स्थानों को सजाया जाएगा और पुष्पांजलि और दीपदान जैसे कार्यक्रम भी आयोजित किए जाएंगे. इसके लिए अलग-अलग संयोजकों और मुख्य अतिथियों की जिम्मेदारियां तय कर दी गई हैं।

14 अप्रैल को बूथ स्तर पर विशेष कार्यक्रम होंगे
14 अप्रैल को अंबेडकर जयंती पर महानगर के सभी 419 बूथों पर कार्यक्रम आयोजित किए जाएंगे। इस दौरान कार्यकर्ता संविधान की प्रस्तावना पढ़ेंगे. साथ ही बाबा साहेब के विचारों को जन-जन तक पहुंचाने का काम किया जाएगा. पार्टी कार्यालय में एक सेमिनार का भी आयोजन किया जाएगा, जिसमें उनके जीवन और योगदान पर चर्चा की जाएगी.

15-16 अप्रैल को घर-घर संपर्क अभियान
15 एवं 16 अप्रैल को अनुसूचित बस्तियों में घर-घर संपर्क एवं संचार अभियान चलाया जायेगा। इस दौरान समाज के प्रमुख और प्रतिष्ठित लोगों को सम्मानित भी किया जाएगा. इसका उद्देश्य समाज के हर वर्ग तक पहुंचना और उनमें जागरूकता बढ़ाना है।

17 अप्रैल को विशाल सम्मेलन होगा
कार्यक्रम के अंतिम दिन यानी 17 अप्रैल को पूरे बाजार क्षेत्र में एक विशाल सम्मेलन का आयोजन किया जायेगा. इस सम्मेलन में बड़ी संख्या में लोग भाग लेंगे और बाबा साहेब के विचारों पर चर्चा की जायेगी.

कार्यकर्ताओं को सौंपी गईं जिम्मेदारियां
बैठक में कार्यक्रम संयोजक हरभजन गौड़, तिलक राम मौर्य, शैलेन्द्र कोरी, वरुण चौधरी, काशीराम, दिनेश कन्नौजिया, शिवम शुक्ला, रवि सिंह, अरुण सोनकर, सूरज सोनकर, शशि प्रताप सिंह, बब्लू मिश्रा, अजय गौड़, संजय कोरी, शिववचन कोरी और विजय रंजन कोरी समेत कई पदाधिकारियों को अलग-अलग जिम्मेदारियां दी गईं।

Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals (ANI photo)

Guwahati: Fast bowlers are not the only ones who hunt in pairs. Like left-handed batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, opening batsmen also do this. Yashasvi Jaiswal are for Rajasthan Royals In this weather. In Rajasthan’s second game against Gujarat Titans, the pair became the fastest Indian opening pair to score 500 IPL runs, surpassing Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir. He then added 80 runs in 30 balls in a brief game against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The match was built around Suryavanshi, with all 15 players facing off Jasprit Bumrah for the first time ever. Suryavanshi produced a brilliant performance, hitting the talismanic pacer over the fence twice in the first over bowled by Bumrah. The very first ball that the Samastipur boy faced against the fast bowler went past the long-on boundary and the fourth ball was carelessly sent into the midwicket stand. Suryavanshi had won the first round against arguably the best bowler in the world.The batsman was out after playing a stormy innings of 39 runs in 14 balls and tears were visible in his eyes while returning to the pavilion, but by then the damage was done. More experienced partner Jaiswal carried his bat throughout the innings and troubled the MI bowlers with an unbeaten 77 off 32 balls. Talking about their explosive partnerships, the 24-year-old Jaiswal said, “It’s amazing to bat with Vaibhav. We both love to play our shots, so the way we are playing, we just keep giving positive messages to each other.” I have been playing for the last few years, so I just wanted to play as per the situation and give the best start to the team.Giving an insight into the duel between Suryavanshi and Bumrah, Jaiswal further said, “On the first ball he hit a six and I told him to just keep playing his shots. Bindas khel (stay chill and play your normal game), I told him.” Of course, Bumrah Bhai is one of the giants, so if Suryavanshi is scoring runs against him, it is surprising. This made us feel that we can beat other bowlers also. So, it was good for him to go out and play his shots. This took the pressure off me and then I could challenge someone else. It was a good partnership and we enjoyed batting with each other.”Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag termed the pair as “the best”. “The number one opening pair. They have age. Vaibhav is unbelievable. It is not one-sided slogging. Jaiswal has been doing this for 3-4 years. The skills he has and the maturity he has – he is the best,” Parag said.The Mumbai Indians coach was asked about Suryavanshi’s fearless innings while facing players like Bumrah and Trent Boult. Mahela Jayawardene “We all knew his (Suryavanshi’s) talent the way he did last year. Last season we were able to overcome that. It is a challenge to stop him in every match. Bumrah probably missed the length a bit and he was prepared for it. “It will be interesting to see how he develops.”“It is quite fascinating to see a 17 or 16-year-old (15-year-old) boy playing the way he plays,” the MI skipper said. hardik pandya Said. “We talked about him a lot in our preparation before the game. The way he bats – the kind of fearlessness he has, the kind of shots he plays – it’s amazing to watch.”Of course, the more experienced Jaiswal, now the leading run-scorer (170) and Orange Cap holder, had ensured the win for the Royals. As Jayawardene said, “Don’t forget that the way Jaiswal batted was crucial. He took us on early and batted throughout the innings.”

बुधवार को प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में सचिव जनगणना दीपक कुमार और निदेशक ईवा आशीष श्रीवास्तव ने बताया कि जनगणना के पहले चरण- मकान सूचीकरण और मकानों की गिनती का काम 25 अप्रैल से 24 मई के बीच किया जाएगा. इससे ठीक 15 दिन पहले 10 अप्रैल से 24 अप्रैल के बीच se.census.gov.in पोर्टल पर सेल्फ सेंसस करने का मौका मिलेगा।

पोर्टल पर स्व-गणना संबंधी प्रश्नों का उत्तर 16 क्षेत्रीय भाषाओं में दिया जा सकता है। ईवा श्रीवास्तव ने बताया कि दूसरे चरण में 11 से 30 सितंबर के बीच उत्तराखंड के बर्फीले जिलों (चमोली, रुद्रप्रयाग, पिथौरागढ़, उत्तरकाशी) के 131 गांवों और तीन शहरी क्षेत्रों में जनगणना का काम किया जाएगा.

पहाड़ों में घर बंद मिलने पर भी प्रवेश संभव होगा

कई पहाड़ी गांवों में घर या तो खंडहर हो गए हैं या बंद हो गए हैं। जब जनगणना टीम वहां जाएगी तो वह अपने हिसाब से उसे अपने डेटा में फीड करेगी। बंद भवन को बंद घर के रूप में प्रवेश दिया जायेगा. वहीं, पूरे प्रदेश में सभी प्रगणकों और पर्यवेक्षकों की ट्रेनिंग का काम चल रहा है. इन्हें 650 बैचों में बांटा गया है. प्रदेश में दो राष्ट्रीय प्रशिक्षक, 23 मास्टर प्रशिक्षक और 555 फील्ड प्रशिक्षक प्रशिक्षण दे रहे हैं। इस प्रेस कॉन्फ्रेंस में संयुक्त निदेशक एसएस नेगी, उप निदेशक तान्या सेठ, आरके बनवारी, प्रवीण कुमार, पीआईबी के सहायक निदेशक संजीव सुंदरियाल मौजूद रहे.

ये भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: 1.34 लाख बुजुर्ग महिलाओं को सरकारी सहायता की जरूरत; सर्वे में चौंकाने वाले आंकड़े सामने आए

सचिव की अपील, स्वयं गिनती में शामिल हों

सचिव जनगणना दीपक कुमार ने बुधवार को सचिवालय स्थित मीडिया सेंटर में प्रेस वार्ता की और अपील की कि 10 अप्रैल से शुरू होने वाली स्व-जनगणना में अधिक से अधिक लोग शामिल हों. उन्होंने बताया कि राज्य के प्रथम नागरिक राज्यपाल और मुख्यमंत्री खुद गिनती करेंगे. इस बार जनगणना का काम पूरी तरह से मोबाइल एप्लीकेशन आधारित होगा. पोर्टल पर जानकारी देने के बाद आपको जो विशिष्ट स्व-गणना आईडी (एसई आईडी) मिलेगी, उसे प्रगणक को देना होगा। प्रगणक और पर्यवेक्षक अपने मोबाइल फोन से डेटा एकत्र करेंगे। संचालन, पर्यवेक्षण एवं प्रबंधन के लिए जनगणना प्रबंधन एवं निगरानी प्रणाली (सीएमएमएस पोर्टल) का उपयोग किया जाएगा।

‘To describe (the women’s quota bill) as merely a legislative exercise would be an understatement. It is a reflection of the aspirations of crores of people across India’

In the coming days, India will be immersed in the festive season, with celebrations taking place across the country. People of Assam will celebrate Rongali Bihu while Odisha will celebrate Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti. In West Bengal, Poila Boishakh will mark the beginning of the Bengali New Year and in Kerala, Vishu will be celebrated with great enthusiasm. In Tamil Nadu, Puthandu will be celebrated while in Punjab and other parts of North India, it will be Baisakhi, which will usher in a sense of hope as well as positivity. I extend my best wishes to all those in India and around the world who are celebrating these festivals. May this auspicious occasion bring happiness and prosperity in everyone’s life.Additionally, on April 11, we will begin the 200th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Phule and on April 14, India will pay tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Ambedkar Jayanti.Apart from these special occasions, when the spirit of renewal fills our hearts and minds, our nation stands at the threshold of another historic occasion. This is an opportunity to deepen the foundations of our democracy and reaffirm our collective commitment to equality and inclusion.Parliament will convene on April 16 to discuss and pass an important bill that will advance women’s reservation. It would be an exaggeration to describe it merely as a legislative exercise. It is a reflection of the aspirations of crores of women across India. It is an affirmation of the principle that has long guided our civilizational ethos, that society progresses when women progress.Almost half of India’s population is women. His contribution to our nation is immense and invaluable. Today India is witnessing remarkable achievements of women in every field. From science and technology to entrepreneurship, from sports to the armed forces and from music to the arts, women are at the forefront of India’s progress. Over the years, sustained efforts have been made to create an enabling environment for women empowerment. Better access to education, better health care, better financial inclusion and better access to basic amenities have strengthened the foundation of women’s participation in economic and social life.Yet, their representation in the world of politics and legislative bodies has not always been commensurate with their role in society. This is particularly unfortunate because when women participate in governance and decision making, they bring with them experiences and insights that enrich public discussion and improve the quality of governance.It is necessary that the Lok Sabha elections of 2029 and the upcoming assembly elections of various states be conducted with women’s reservation. Over the decades, repeated efforts have been made by previous governments to give women their rightful place in democratic institutions. Committees were formed, drafts of bills were introduced, but they never saw the light of day. But there remains broad consensus that women’s representation in legislative bodies needs to be increased. In September 2023, the Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Act with a spirit of consensus. I consider this one of the most special occasions of my life.This opportunity to ensure women’s reservation also deeply matches the spirit of our Constitution. The makers of our Constitution had envisioned a society where equality is both established and realized in practice. Strengthening women’s participation in legislative institutions is an important step toward achieving that vision. It reflects our commitment towards building a society where every citizen has an equal stake in shaping the destiny of the country.This is a moment that can no longer be avoided. Every delay in advancing women’s representation is, in fact, a delay in strengthening the quality and inclusivity of our democracy. For decades, the need for greater participation of women in legislative institutions has been acknowledged, discussed and affirmed. To postpone action now would mean exacerbating the imbalance we already recognize and have the ability to correct. At a time when India is moving forward with confidence and purpose, it is essential that our institutions reflect the aspirations of all citizens, especially half of its population. Timely action will not only honor long-standing commitments but also ensure that the momentum of progress is sustained. This is truly a historic opportunity to make our democracy more representative, accountable and future-ready.This moment demands collective action. This is not about any one government, party or individual. It is about the entire nation recognizing the importance of this step and coming together to make it happen. We owe this to our women power. The passage of a Bill for women’s reservation should therefore reflect the widest possible consensus and be guided by the broader national interest. Such occasions call us to work not for ourselves, but for future generations. They remind us that the true strength of democracy lies in its ability to evolve and become more inclusive over time.As we approach this historic Parliament meeting, I appeal to all Members of Parliament, irrespective of party lines, to come together in support of this important step for the women of India. Let us seize this opportunity with a sense of responsibility and purpose. Let us act in a manner that reflects the highest traditions of our democracy.India has always shown that when it comes to matters of national importance, it can rise above differences and work with unity. This is such a moment. Let us move forward together and strengthen the constitutional values ​​and empower our women power for national progress.

महाभारत टीवी सीरियल में भीष्म पितामह का किरदार निभाने वाले मशहूर अभिनेता मुकेश खन्ना अयोध्या पहुंचे, जहां उन्होंने शहीदों को श्रद्धांजलि दी. यह कार्यक्रम शहीद भगत सिंह, राजगुरु और सुखदेव के शहादत दिवस के अवसर पर आयोजित किया गया था. इसी दौरान उन्होंने ‘जय हिंद हस्ताक्षर अभियान’ भी शुरू किया. कार्यक्रम में कई गणमान्य लोग मौजूद रहे और देशभक्ति का माहौल देखने को मिला. मुकेश खन्ना के अयोध्या आगमन को लेकर लोगों में काफी उत्साह था.

शहीदों को दी गई श्रद्धांजलि, अभियान शुरू
कार्यक्रम में सबसे पहले मुकेश खन्ना ने देश के महान क्रांतिकारियों शहीद भगत सिंह, राजगुरु और सुखदेव को श्रद्धांजलि दी. इसके बाद उन्होंने ‘जय हिंद हस्ताक्षर अभियान’ शुरू किया. इस अभियान का उद्देश्य देश के शहीदों की स्मृति को जीवित रखना और उनका सम्मान बढ़ाना है।

कार्यक्रम में कई गणमान्य लोग उपस्थित थे
इस कार्यक्रम में गोपाल सिंह और दीपक कुमार त्रिपाठी समेत कई अन्य गणमान्य लोग भी मौजूद थे. सभी ने मिलकर शहीदों के बलिदान को याद किया और देश के लिए उनके योगदान की सराहना की. कार्यक्रम में बड़ी संख्या में लोग शामिल हुए, जिससे माहौल देशभक्ति से ओतप्रोत हो गया.

रामलला के दर्शन कर खुशी जाहिर की
मुकेश खन्ना ने बताया कि उन्हें पहले भी राम मंदिर आने का निमंत्रण मिला था, लेकिन वह उस समय नहीं आ सके थे. इस बार उन्होंने शहादत दिवस के मौके पर अयोध्या आकर रामलला के दर्शन किए और अपनी खुशी जाहिर की. उन्होंने अयोध्या का संदेश ‘जय श्री राम’ बताया.

शहीदों के नाम पर नामकरण की उठी मांग
अभियान के तहत मुकेश खन्ना ने सरकार से मांग की कि सड़कों, चौक-चौराहों का नाम शहीदों के नाम पर रखा जाए. उन्होंने कहा कि इससे आने वाली पीढ़ियों को देश के वीर सपूतों के बारे में जानकारी मिलेगी और उनके प्रति सम्मान भी बढ़ेगा.

(रिपोर्ट:अनूप कुमार, अयोध्या)

New Delhi: The Center on Tuesday relaxed norms for regularizing residential properties and small convenience shops (up to 20 sq m) in 1,511 unauthorized colonies in Delhi on “as is where is” criteria. Residents of these properties can now get building plans prepared by any architect empaneled by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and apply to the civic body to obtain ownership rights.Announcing major changes in the norms, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal said properties will be regularized without the need for approved layout plans, a move that will speed up regularization of properties in such colonies, bringing relief to over 10 lakh families living in these settlements. These announcements were made in the presence of CM Rekha Gupta.Earlier, it was mandatory to have an approved layout plan of the area to apply for regularization.

Although the Center had envisaged regularizing these colonies in its 2019 rules and subsequently the PM-Unauthorized Colonies in Delhi Housing Rights Scheme (PM-UDAY) on an “as is where is” basis after approval of layout plans, the absence of approved layout plans has been a major hurdle, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said in a statement.Till the end of March, barely 40,000 conveyance deeds/authorization slips have been issued under PM-UDAY.Gupta said that although there are 1,731 unauthorized colonies in Delhi, those in O zone (Yamuna flood plain), forest/ridge areas and otherwise outside the scope of the scheme have not been included. Besides this, 69 affluent unauthorized colonies like Sainik Farm, Mahendru Enclave, Anant Ram Dairy and Bhavani Kunj have also been excluded.As per the new norms, the Revenue Department of the Delhi government, and not the DDA, will now issue the conveyance deed for ownership rights. The Union Minister said that MCD will conduct drone survey every two months to detect any new small construction. “To ensure that no further unauthorized construction or expansion takes place in these colonies, we have strengthened the enforcement wing of the MCD and Delhi Development Authority,” he said.The civic body will issue ‘certificates of regularization’ and also conduct a survey of vacant plots for creation of civic infrastructure.The CM said that under the revised policy, applications for ownership of properties can be filed online through the PM-UDAY portal from April 24. He said that the process of regularization will be expedited with simplified approval process and stipulated time-frame for release of work within 45 days.The last date for consideration for regularization will be 1 June 2014. The minister said the revised policy will cover old buildings in unauthorized colonies while new construction will be required to follow the norms set by the MCD and seek its permission.The updated policy notified on Tuesday states that shops with an area of ​​up to 20 square meters will be regularized if they have access to 6 meters of right of way (RoW). For shops up to 10 square metres, the required RoW may be less than 6m. Responding to a question, D Thara, additional secretary in the housing ministry, said floor-wise regularization would also be allowed.An applicant can log in to the MCD Swagam portal (https://mcdonline.nic.in/swagam) and choose a colony name, ward and zone, which are auto-populated, the ministry said in an official statement. They will have the option to choose whether the PM-Uday case identity is present or not. Those who do not have such ID will have to log in to the PM-UDAY portal.It said that if the conveyance deed or authorization slip has been issued, an application form will be filled, and if not, the application for the status will be redirected to the PM-UDAY portal. After surveying the building structure, processing of applications and issuance of conveyance deed or authorization slip will be done by the Revenue Department in collaboration with DDA. Applications will be accepted on the SWAGAM portal from April 24 for cases where conveyance deed or authorization slip has been issued.In cases of reconstruction or redevelopment, land equal to 50% of the reduction in ROW should be surrendered to achieve minimum access width (6 m internal roads, 9 m access roads). “Floor Area Ratio (FAR) will be calculated on the original plot area but will be used within the reduced plot after surrender. If the existing FAR exceeds the permissible limit, penal charges (three times the additional FAR charges) will be applicable,” the policy says.Delhi CM It described the revised rules as a step that brings “hope, dignity and long-awaited security” to millions of families. The CM office said a clear timeline has been set for the process, including seven days for the GIS survey report, 15 days for removing the deficiencies and a mandatory 45-day deadline for issuing the conveyance deed. It added that the PM-UDAY register will be maintained and regularization certificates will be issued by the MCD.The CM said regularization will help residents take loans on their properties, thereby opening up opportunities for redevelopment and economic empowerment.