Delhi Finalises New Policy for Jhuggi-Jhopri Cluster Rehabilitation

The Home Minister emphasised the need for a time-bound approach and called for greater momentum in rehabilitation efforts across the capital.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level review meeting on the rehabilitation of slum settlements and Jhuggi-Jhopri (JJ) clusters in New Delhi, where a new policy aimed at improving housing conditions for lakhs of residents received final approval.

The meeting brought together senior leaders and officials, including Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, senior officers from the Central Government and the Delhi administration.

New Rehabilitation Policy Gets Final Shape

During the meeting, Amit Shah announced that the Delhi Slum and JJ Cluster Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2026 has been finalised and asked the Delhi Government to notify it at the earliest. He directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to issue tenders for the rehabilitation of five JJ clusters within the next 45 days. Officials were also instructed to prepare project documents and tender-related work for an additional 50 clusters to accelerate implementation. The Home Minister emphasised the need for a time-bound approach and called for greater momentum in rehabilitation efforts across the capital.

Push for Faster Redevelopment Projects

Amit Shah directed the Delhi Government to launch at least five Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-based rehabilitation projects every month. The move is aimed at increasing the pace of housing development while bringing private sector participation into large-scale urban renewal projects.

Officials discussed strategies for improving living conditions in informal settlements and creating planned residential colonies with better civic infrastructure. The meeting also reviewed measures to ensure smoother relocation and rehabilitation processes for families living in JJ clusters across Delhi.

Focus on Community Facilities and Better Living Standards

The Home Minister stressed that rehabilitation colonies should not be limited to housing alone. He instructed authorities to ensure adequate provision of community facilities, including Anganwadi centres, schools, health centres and playgrounds, so that families have access to essential services within their neighbourhoods.

According to officials, the decisions taken during the meeting are expected to benefit nearly four lakh families residing in JJ clusters across Delhi. Amit Shah also said that January 1, 2025, should be fixed as the eligibility cut-off date for determining beneficiaries under the rehabilitation programme.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to inclusive development, he said the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Antyodaya and Garib Kalyan, focusing on improving the lives of economically weaker sections and ensuring better housing opportunities for urban residents. The new policy is expected to provide a structured framework for large-scale rehabilitation while supporting Delhi's broader urban development goals.