The Delhi government has notified a new slum rehabilitation policy.
It aims to give permanent homes to nearly five lakh families.
About 20 lakh people could benefit from the policy. India Today reported this on November 5, 2026.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
The policy covers slum settlements set up before January 1, 2025.
Families living there will not be removed unless they get alternative accommodation.
Key points
- Nearly five lakh families may get permanent 1BHK homes.
- Rehabilitation will happen at the existing site or within three km.
- Families will not be removed without alternative housing.
- Homes will be allotted through a computerised draw of lots.
How will the new homes be built and allotted?
Eligible families will get one-bedroom, hall and kitchen units.
The housing complexes will also have schools, anganwadi centres, healthcare facilities and playgrounds.
Families living on different floors of the same structure will get separate units.
Families with persons with disabilities will get priority for ground floor homes.
Homes will be allotted through a computerised draw.
A digital platform based on geographic information system technology will track projects and beneficiary records.
What happens to families during redevelopment?
Where redevelopment happens at existing sites under the public-private partnership model, developers will arrange temporary or rented housing.
They may also give financial help for rent.
A grievance redressal and appeal mechanism will also be set up.
Common services and security will be maintained for five years from the first allotment.
What did the Chief Minister say about the policy?
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the policy will give momentum to the 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makan' scheme.
She said the goal is dignity, security and better living facilities, not just housing.
Gupta said the policy was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'antyodaya' and the welfare of the poor.
The report does not say when the first homes will be ready.
Explainer
What happened before
- The Delhi government has given momentum to the existing 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makan' scheme through this policy.
- The policy covers slum settlements established before January 1, 2025.
Why it matters
Nearly five lakh families, or about 20 lakh people, could get permanent homes. Families will not be removed without alternative accommodation.
Exam Corner
UPSC GS Paper 2 · Governance: Slum rehabilitation policy
What's the news
The Delhi government has notified a new slum rehabilitation policy to give permanent homes to nearly five lakh families. India Today reported this on November 5, 2026.
Background
- The policy is called the Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026.
- The policy is linked to the existing 'Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makan' scheme.
- It prioritises rehabilitation at the existing site or within a three-kilometre radius.
Facts for Prelims
- Settlements established before January 1, 2025 are covered by the policy.
- Eligible families will get one-bedroom, hall and kitchen units.
- Common infrastructure will be maintained for five years from the first allotment.
Content for Mains
- Significance: Permanent homes can give slum families security, dignity and access to schools and healthcare.
- Main issue: Rehabilitation near existing sites keeps families close to work, schools and essential services.
- Challenges: Allotting homes to lakhs of families needs careful planning, fair draws and clear records.
- Way forward: A grievance mechanism, digital monitoring and transparent allotment can build trust in the policy.
Practice question: Discuss how slum rehabilitation policies can provide housing to the urban poor while keeping families close to their livelihoods and essential services.
Prelims practice questions
Q1. Under the new Delhi policy, what is the priority distance for relocation?
- 1 km
- 3 km
- 5 km
- 10 km
Show answer
Answer: B. The policy prioritises rehabilitation at the existing site or within a three-kilometre radius.
Q2. Which slum settlements does the policy cover?
- Those set up after January 1, 2025
- Only those on government land in New Delhi
- Those set up before January 1, 2025
- Only those with persons with disabilities
Show answer
Answer: C. The policy covers eligible settlements established before January 1, 2025.
Key terms
- Slum rehabilitation: Improving housing and services for people living in slums, often in the same area.
- Public-private partnership: A model where government and private developers work together on a project.
- Grievance redressal: A system for hearing and resolving complaints from people affected by a decision.
More stories for exam preparation: UPSC Today
These points come from this news report. Check them with standard sources such as NCERT books and PIB before your exam.
