Delhi notifies Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026; eligible residents to get 1 BHK housing units

On 4 November 2026, the Government of NCT of Delhi has notified the Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) under Section 10(1) of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) Act, 2010.

The policy provides a structured mechanism for relocation and rehabilitation of eligible residents of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters in Delhi, prescribes eligibility conditions, housing entitlements, transit accommodation requirements, and introduces PPP-based redevelopment models. The policy aims to promote in-situ rehabilitation wherever feasible while enabling redevelopment of public land and creation of affordable housing infrastructure.

The policy came into force on 4 November 2026.

The policy governs the rehabilitation and relocation of JJ bastis in Delhi through the designated Nodal Agencies and Land-owning Agencies. It applies to eligible JJ dwellers meeting the prescribed criteria and provides for rehabilitation through publicly funded schemes as well as Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. DUSIB will act as the nodal agency for clusters located on Delhi Government, DUSIB and MCD land. DDA will act as the nodal agency for clusters situated on DDA land and land belonging to the Central Government and its agencies.

Delhi has historically implemented multiple rehabilitation schemes for residents of JJ clusters through DUSIB and other public agencies. However, continued growth of informal settlements, increasing pressure on urban land resources, and the need for integrated redevelopment necessitated a revised policy framework.

The 2026 Policy seeks to: establish uniform eligibility criteria; prioritise in-situ rehabilitation; improve housing standards for beneficiaries; facilitate private-sector participation; and ensure optimal utilisation of public land occupied by JJ clusters.

Key Changes:

1. A JJ dweller is eligible for rehabilitation subject to specified conditions, including:

   • Existence of the jhuggi and JJ basti prior to 1 January 2025;

   • Indian citizenship and minimum age of 18 years;

   • Inclusion in voter list before 1 January 2025 and at the time of survey;

   • Inclusion in the official survey/joint survey records; and

   • Absence of ownership of any pucca residential property by the applicant or family members anywhere in India.

2. The policy prescribes documentary proof requirements and recognises several categories of documents, including:

   • Ration cards; Electricity bills;

   • Driving licences; Passports;

   • Pension documents;

   • Disability certificates;

   • Government-issued caste certificates;

   • Health insurance cards; and

   • Government school identity records.

3. The policy expressly excludes serving and retired government servants from eligibility for rehabilitation benefits.

4. Eligible beneficiaries are entitled to a 1-BHK alternate housing unit with a minimum carpet area of 25 sq. m. and basic civic facilities comprising safe drinking water, sewerage line and electricity connections.

5. Each eligible beneficiary is required to contribute ₹1.5 lakh towards the housing unit, subject to revision by the Government. In addition, a lump-sum contribution of ₹50,000, or such amount as notified by the Government from time to time, is payable at allotment towards the operation-and-maintenance corpus fund.

6. The policy prioritises rehabilitation at the existing site or within a radius of 0-3 kilometres from the original location, thereby minimising disruption to livelihoods and access to public services.

7. The policy formalises PPP models for redevelopment through:

   • In-situ redevelopment by private developers;

   • Redevelopment using adjoining or nearby land parcels;

   • Grant of development rights over remunerative portions of the project; and

   • Availability of planning incentives such as Transferable Development Rights (TDR), subject to applicable regulations.

8. Pending completion of redevelopment projects:

   • Transit accommodation or rental support is required to be provided;

   • Transit units must have a minimum area of 16.72 square metres (180 sq. ft.);

   • Non-compliance with transit accommodation requirements by beneficiaries may affect entitlement to rehabilitation benefits.

9. The policy provides for:

   • Initial allotment on a leasehold basis with a lock-in period of 10-year ; and

   • Subsequent transfer of ownership subject to fulfilment of prescribed conditions and payment obligations.

10. Beneficiaries are prohibited from:

    • Subletting allotted premises;

    • Transferring possession without authorisation; or

    • Re-encroaching upon any public land after allotment.

11. Violation may result in cancellation of allotment and forfeiture of benefits.

12. The policy establishes an Appellate Authority comprising judicial, administrative and expert members to adjudicate disputes relating to eligibility determinations and rehabilitation entitlements.

13. The policy supersedes earlier guidelines and policies issued under the DUSIB Act, 2010.

The policy marks a significant shift towards integrated urban redevelopment in Delhi by providing clearer eligibility criteria, housing entitlements, and stronger rehabilitation safeguards for JJ dwellers. It also streamlines institutional responsibilities, facilitates coordinated redevelopment, and promotes private sector participation through PPP models and redevelopment incentives.

The policy signals a move from purely welfare-oriented rehabilitation schemes towards a redevelopment-based model balancing social housing objectives with urban planning and land optimisation goals. It is likely to become the principal framework governing future JJ rehabilitation projects in Delhi.

[Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026, dated 4 November 2026]