New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta lauded the Central government for regularizing Delhi’s unauthorized colonies on an “as is, where is” basis under the PM-UDAY scheme, saying the new framework allows 1,531 colonies to be regularized without the need for layout plan approval. Further, he informed that all plots and buildings within these colonies will be considered residential. Addressing a press conference at the National Media Center on Tuesday, he further informed that the joint survey will be conducted by the revenue officials under strict timelines. DDA-GIS survey will be completed within 7 days, deficiencies resolved within 15 days and conveyance deed issued within 45 days. He also said that out of 1,731 unauthorized colonies, 511 were being regularized immediately. “…In 2019, the government launched the PM-UDAY scheme for unauthorized colonies in Delhi. Under it, ownership transfer and mortgage rights were provided to residents. So far, around 40,000 conveyance deeds and authorization slips have been issued, although technical problems slowed down the progress, especially with the approval of the layout plan. Thanks to the intervention of the Prime Minister and the Urban Ministry, a major step has now been taken. There are about 50 lakh residents in unauthorized colonies in Delhi, about 10 lakh families. The new scheme allows regularization of 1,531 colonies, without requiring layout plan approval. CM Gupta said, all plots and buildings will be considered residential. “The approval process has been simplified: the responsibility now rests with the Revenue Department of Delhi, with ADM level officers as the single-point approval authority. The survey will be conducted jointly by revenue officials and strict timelines have been set. DDA-GIS survey within 7 days, resolution of deficiency within 15 days, and issuance of conveyance deed within 45 days. Of the 1,731 unauthorized colonies, 511 are being regularized immediately. The remaining excluded colonies are in restricted areas such as ridge areas, ozone-sensitive areas or near protected monuments. Authorization certificates will be issued by MCD…” CM Gupta said. Earlier, the central government had launched the Prime Minister-Unauthorized Colonies Housing Rights Scheme (PM-UDAY) in Delhi in 2019 to provide ownership rights to residents. However, progress under the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) remained slow for a long time. Therefore, in a significant change, the government has now approved regularization of these colonies on “as is, where is” basis. Under this principle, existing constructions would be accepted in their present form and given legal status. According to Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, this step will provide great relief to small traders, because small shops up to 20 square meters will also become regular under certain conditions. The application process is scheduled to begin on April 24, with a fast-track timeline that includes a strict deadline of 7 days for GIS survey, 15 days for rectifying application deficiencies and 45 days for issuance of conveyance deed. “Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister @NarendraModi Ji, today begins a new chapter of dignity and rights for residents of unauthorized colonies in Delhi. Under the PM-UDAY scheme, 1511 out of total 1731 unauthorized colonies are being regularized on “as is, where is” basis without the mandatory requirement of layout plan. Additionally, the land use for all plots and buildings will be treated as residential, and regularization will be done only for existing built-up structures. Will be done on “as is, where is” basis. Giving relief to small traders, small shops up to 20 square meters will also be regularized with conditions. This application process will start from April 24, with a deadline of 7 days for GIS survey, 15 days for processing deficiencies in applications and 45 days for issuing conveyance deeds,” Khattar said.