New Delhi: In a major urban policy decision affecting nearly 45 lakh residents, the Government has announced the regularisation of 1,511 unauthorised colonies in Delhi on an “as-is where-is” basis, removing one of the biggest legal and administrative hurdles faced by property owners in the national capital.
The move significantly expands the practical impact of the Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana by allowing eligible residents not only to secure ownership rights but also to proceed with construction, redevelopment and regularisation of built structures without waiting for approved layout plans.
Manohar Lal Calls It a Historic Moment for Delhi Residents
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Manohar Lal Khattar described the decision as a historic milestone.
He said the earlier PM-UDAY framework had granted ownership rights, but the present decision removes implementation bottlenecks that had prevented residents from fully using those rights.
According to him, regularisation on an “as-is where-is” basis will encourage more residents to register their properties and legally redevelop homes in accordance with Municipal Corporation of Delhi norms.
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Delhi Chief Minister Says 45 Lakh People Will Benefit
Rekha Gupta said the decision opens a new chapter of relief, dignity and rights for Delhi residents who had long remained outside formal urban legal systems despite living in self-owned homes.
She stated that 1,511 out of 1,731 unauthorised colonies have now become eligible for regularisation under the revised mechanism.
She also announced a strict timeline:
- GIS survey within 7 days
- Rectification of deficiencies within 15 days
- Conveyance deed issuance within 45 days
PM-UDAY: Background of the Scheme
The PM-UDAY framework was launched after the notification of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Regulations, 2019.
The scheme was formally launched on 29 October 2019.
Its purpose was to confer ownership, transfer and mortgage rights to residents through:
- General Power of Attorney (GPA)
- Agreement to Sell
- Payment proof
- Possession documents
As of 31 March 2026, nearly 40,000 Conveyance Deeds and Authorisation Slips have been issued.
Why Response to PM-UDAY Was Limited
Officials observed that despite receiving ownership documents, many residents still could not:
- Get building plans approved
- Regularise existing structures
- Undertake redevelopment
The major reason was absence of approved layout plans, which earlier required preparation by RWAs and approval from MCD.
This created a gap where ownership existed legally, but practical urban permissions remained blocked.
Major Policy Shift: Layout Plans No Longer Mandatory
The latest decision removes that bottleneck.
Key New Decisions
- 1,511 eligible colonies regularised without approved layout plans
- All plots and buildings treated as residential land use
- Existing built-up structures accepted on “as-is where-is” basis
- Regularisation possible even without colony layout approval
This marks the most important operational expansion of PM-UDAY since its launch.
Rules for Shops and Commercial Use
Small-scale commercial activity has also been accommodated.
Convenience Shop Provisions
- Shops up to 20 sq. metres regularised if road width is 6 metres
- Shops up to 10 sq. metres allowed even on narrower access
Officials say this will help many mixed-use colonies where residential and neighbourhood retail coexist.
Which Colonies Remain Excluded?
Not all colonies are eligible.
Excluded colonies include those located on:
- Reserved or notified forests
- Protected monument zones under Archaeological Survey of India protected areas
- Yamuna floodplain (Zone-O)
- Road right of way areas
- High tension line zones
- Delhi ridge land
- Other legally protected land
Additionally, 69 affluent unauthorised colonies remain outside the scheme.
SWAGAM Portal Applications Begin April 24
Residents can apply through SWAGAM Portal from 24 April 2026.
Application Process
- Log into SWAGAM portal
- Select colony name
- Ward and zone auto-populated
- Enter PM-UDAY Case ID
If Case ID Exists
- If Conveyance Deed / Authorisation Slip issued → form opens
- If pending → redirected to PM-UDAY portal
Role of Departments in Implementation
Agencies Involved
- Delhi Development Authority
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi
- GNCTD Revenue Department
MCD will issue Certificates of Regularisation and survey vacant plots.
Revenue Department will issue property ownership documents.
DDA will provide technical support.
New Rules for Redevelopment and Reconstruction
Where redevelopment is planned:
- 50% deficiency in road width must be surrendered
- Internal roads require 6 metres width
- Approach roads require 9 metres width
FAR Rule
FAR will be calculated on original plot size but used within reduced plot after surrender.
If FAR exceeds permissible limits:
- Penal charge = 3 times additional FAR charges
Satellite Mapping for Future Layout Plans
An inter-agency technical cell involving:
- DDA
- MCD
- GNCTD
will prepare layout plans using satellite imagery.
However, absence of layout plans will no longer stop regularisation.
Ownership to Full Urban Integration: What Changes Now
Officials say this amendment shifts PM-UDAY from a limited ownership-right scheme into a comprehensive urban integration model.
Residents will now gain:
- Legal ownership
- Regularisation certificate
- Construction rights
- Redevelopment eligibility
This is expected to significantly reshape urban planning in Delhi’s unauthorised colonies.
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