Government’s Landmark Move Turns a Long-Pending Promise Into Reality
Report: Arun Sharma

New Delhi.
In a significant move aimed at uplifting thousands of underprivileged families in Delhi, the government has decided to renovate and allot 7,400 long-abandoned EWS flats in the Bhalswa–Jahangirpuri region to eligible slum dwellers.
This long-awaited decision promises to bring dignity, stability, and a permanent roof over the heads of families who have been living in makeshift settlements for years.

A Major Push—Vacant Flats to Become New Homes for Thousands

The revamped housing complexes will include modern civic amenities such as:

Parking spaces

Market areas

E-rickshaw charging stations

Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Primary schools

Anganwadi centres

Special facilities for senior citizens

The aim is to transform the area into a modern, sustainable and self-sufficient housing cluster for the economically weaker sections.

CM Rekha Gupta and Minister Ashish Sood Order Fast-Track Repairs

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood recently reviewed the progress and directed officials to expedite renovation and rehabilitation work.
The CM remarkedthat the flats remained vacant for years due to the “negligence” of the previous AAP government, forcing thousands of families to continue living in slums despite the availability of built housing.

Centre–State Policy Clash Had Kept the Flats Locked

Built in 2016, the flats remained unused due to policy disagreements:

The Centre wanted them under the Affordable Rental Housing Scheme,

While the Delhi government insisted on including them in the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.

With clarity now achieved and the deadlock resolved, the Centre has sanctioned ₹732 crore for repair and redevelopment.

Revised Policy to Expand Eligibility

The Delhi government is amending the 2015 Slum & JJ Rehabilitation Policy.
The new criteria include:

Aadhaar issued after 2015

Annual income below ₹3 lakh

No ownership of a permanent house

No prior benefit under any housing scheme

This opens the door for many more slum residents to receive permanent housing.

Bhalswa Model May Revive 50,000 Dormant EWS Flats

Delhi has over 50,000 EWS flats lying vacant due to maintenance lapses and administrative hurdles.
The government expects that the Bhalswa redevelopment model will pave the way for similar revival across the city.

A Strong Message to the Poor: Your Welfare Comes First

The initiative signals the government’s renewed commitment to using public resources efficiently and prioritizing those who need them most.
For thousands of families waiting for years, this move marks the beginning of a more secure and dignified future.

For Delhi’s urban poor, this is not just a welfare announcement—it is a transformative step toward stability, respect, and permanent rehabilitation.