New Delhi, June 23: In a major relief for slum residents across the national capital, the Delhi Government has decided that all residents of slum and JJ clusters established in Delhi up to January 1, 2025, will be eligible for rehabilitation benefits under the newly approved Delhi Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2026.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the proposal was approved during the 36th meeting of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and aligns with the rehabilitation policy that has received final approval from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Cut-Off Year Extended by a Decade
Until now, 2015 was considered the base year for determining eligibility for rehabilitation benefits. Under the latest decision, the eligibility cut-off date has been extended by ten years to January 1, 2025, significantly expanding the number of beneficiaries.
According to the Chief Minister, the move is expected to benefit lakhs of slum-dwelling families living in various JJ clusters across Delhi.
Boost to ‘Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makaan’ Vision
Rekha Gupta said the decision would provide fresh momentum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ensuring dignified housing for economically weaker sections under the ‘Jahan Jhuggi Wahan Makaan’ initiative.
She said the policy aims to provide modern housing facilities to eligible families along with essential social infrastructure such as schools, health centres, anganwadis, playgrounds and other basic amenities.
“The objective is to ensure that every family gets an opportunity to live with dignity, security and access to a better future,” the Chief Minister said.
Large-Scale Urban Transformation
Officials said the revised rehabilitation policy is expected to accelerate the redevelopment of slum clusters while ensuring that long-term residents are not left out of the rehabilitation process.
The government believes the decision will contribute significantly to planned urban development and improve living standards for thousands of families residing in informal settlements.
Senior Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood and senior officials from all concerned departments involved in housing, urban development and rehabilitation projects.
The Delhi Government is expected to begin implementing the policy in phases, with rehabilitation and relocation projects being taken up across the city under the newly approved framework.
