Diwali Bonanza: 5 Lakh Delhi Slum Families to Get Permanent Homes
The Delhi government announces the Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy 2026, promising permanent homes for 5 lakh families.
In a landmark move described as a Diwali gift for the city's underprivileged, the Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has officially notified the Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026. This ambitious initiative is set to transform the lives of nearly 20 lakh people, providing permanent, pucca houses to approximately 4 to 5 lakh families currently residing in slum settlements across the national capital.
Dignity Over Displacement
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the core objective of the new policy extends beyond the simple removal of slums. The government aims to ensure that every eligible family can live with safety and dignity. "Our objective is not just to remove slums, but to give every eligible family a permanent home where they can live safely and with dignity with their children," the Chief Minister stated.
Acknowledging the role of the working class in the city's growth, CM Gupta noted that the hardworking families who built Delhi with their sweat and labour deserve a secure and dignified life. She mentioned that the policy is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visions of 'Antyodaya' and 'Garib Kalyan', aligning with the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas'.
Key Highlights of the 2026 Policy
The new policy introduces several critical updates to ensure a wider reach and more humane implementation than previous schemes:
- Expanded Eligibility: The policy includes all slum settlements established before January 1, 2025, bringing in thousands of families who were excluded from earlier rehabilitation efforts.
- Guaranteed Housing: The government has pledged that no eligible jhuggi will be demolished without the provision of alternative accommodation.
- Proximity to Livelihood: To prevent the disruption of jobs and children's education, the government will strive to provide homes at the original site or within a 3-km radius.
- Housing Specifications: Every eligible family will be allotted a 1-BHK flat consisting of one bedroom, a hall, and a kitchen.
Beyond Just Four Walls: Integrated Colonies
The government is not just building houses but creating sustainable communities. The new residential colonies will be equipped with essential social infrastructure, including:
- Schools and Anganwadi centres.
- Healthcare facilities.
- Playgrounds for children.
Humane Provisions and Special Allotments
The policy includes several nuanced clauses to address the complex realities of slum living:
- Multi-family Structures: If separate families live independently on different floors of the same jhuggi structure and meet eligibility criteria, they will be considered for separate flats.
- Priority for Disabled: Families with persons with disabilities will be given priority for ground-floor allotments.
- Joint Allotments: To prevent future legal disputes, units for married couples will be allotted jointly.
Transparency and Implementation
To ensure fairness and eliminate corruption, the government is implementing a rigorous allocation and monitoring system:
Houses will be distributed via a computerised draw of lots, and a centralised GIS-based digital platform will be used to monitor the process and prevent fake or duplicate allotments. Additionally, a dedicated grievance redressal and appeal mechanism will be established for beneficiaries.
Maintenance and PPP Model
For the first five years following the shift, the government or the developer will handle the maintenance of security, services, and common infrastructure. After this period, the responsibility will transition to beneficiary associations.
In cases where in-situ redevelopment is carried out under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the developer is mandated to provide either temporary housing or rent assistance to the affected families until the construction is complete.