Delhi govt clears slum cluster rehab policy, sets 2025 cut-off for benefits

The Delhi government has approved a new policy to rehabilitate and relocate slum cluster residents. The move sets a 2025 eligibility cut-off and aims to improve housing, services and education access.

In Short

• Delhi govt approves Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation Policy 2026
• Policy aims to provide dignified housing and better education
• Policy targets benefit for four lakh slum cluster families

The Delhi government on Sunday approved the Delhi Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2026, with Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood saying it is aimed at giving residents of Jhuggi-Jhopri clusters a dignified living environment and helping younger people access better education and pursue their aspirations.

Announcing the policy, Sood said secure housing and better civic amenities were essential for the social and economic progress of residents. He said the policy was a major step towards building a "Viksit Rajdhani", was in line with the broader vision of a "Viksit Bharat", and was meant to ensure inclusive urban development for all sections of society.

Sood said January 1, 2025, had been fixed as the eligibility cut-off date for rehabilitation benefits under the policy, and that this was intended to bring greater clarity and relief to eligible beneficiaries. He alleged that the previous AAP government had failed to adequately address rehabilitation concerns, resulting in difficulties for many residents.

He said the policy aimed to create a proper educational environment so that young residents could realise their dreams and actively contribute to the nation's growth. Sood also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their support in making the policy possible and advancing the rehabilitation agenda for slum residents in the national capital.

Expressing confidence about its implementation, Sood said the Rekha Gupta government would meet its targets and ensure that eligible residents received the benefits envisaged under the rehabilitation and relocation plan.

On June 16, Shah said the Delhi government should issue tenders for at least five public-private partnership-based rehabilitation projects every month. Chairing a review meeting on the rehabilitation of slum dwellers in the national capital, he directed the Delhi Development Authority and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board to issue tenders for five clusters within 45 days. He also asked officials to prepare project documents and tender forms for another 50 JJ clusters.

"In the meeting, Shah said the Delhi Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2026, has been finalised today and the Delhi government should notify it at the earliest," an official statement said. The home minister also directed that sufficient provision be made for community facilities such as anganwadi centres, educational facilities, health centres and playgrounds during the construction of rehabilitation colonies.

Shah said the decisions taken at the meeting would benefit four lakh families living in Delhi's JJ clusters, while the newly approved policy is intended to provide eligible residents with housing, civic amenities and access to community facilities.

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