The central government has set up a committee under the Lt Governor of Delhi to study the feasibility of ‘regularizing’ the unauthorized colonies of Delhi.
There are many areas in Delhi, particularly on the eastern and southern sides, where people have constructed shanties, and in some cases concrete houses, on government property.
It is estimated that millions of people live in such colonies.
However, because the land doesn’t belong to the occupants, the inhabitants of these colonies find it difficult to sell the land, and in some cases, to even get a water or power connection.
“A very large number of people in Delhi are residing in these colonies. This has become a de-facto reality.
“Therefore, we have to look into ways and means of how this regularization can take place, and if so, on what terms,” Finance minister Arun Jaitley said.
The committee has been asked to study the feasibility of transferring the ownership of the land to those who are living on it, Jaitley added.
The report will be submitted in three months.
The move is likely to yield some electoral benefits to the BJP in the upcoming national elections.
The BJP was swept out of power in Delhi by upstart Aam Aadmi Party five years ago due to allegations of inefficiency and corruption at the local level.