NEW DELHI: Over a month after the MCD launched a portal for regularizing properties in unauthorized colonies, officials report plans to decrease regularization fees due to only two applications received from eligible beneficiaries.
The SWAGAM portal, initiated on April 24, allows residents of unauthorized colonies to regularize their properties on an “as is where is” basis after securing ownership rights under the Centre’s Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY).
Despite nearly 40,000 PM-UDAY beneficiaries being eligible, only two have taken action through the portal. Officials speculate that this low response is due to a lack of urgency from residents rather than administrative barriers.
“There is no deadline for applications. It doesn’t matter if someone applies in two months or four months since no deadline is in place. Without an immediate incentive or consequence for delaying, residents have no motivation to apply promptly,” a senior MCD official reported to PTI.
Residents choosing not to pursue regularization can continue occupying their properties without fear of penalties for not applying. “There is no deterrent; they can keep living there without any immediate repercussions for not submitting an application,” said the official.
The civic body is now negotiating with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to potentially lower regularization fees, including those related to Floor Area Ratio (FAR), in an attempt to boost participation.
“We’re looking into the possibility of reducing the regularization fees to encourage more residents to come forward. Discussions are ongoing with the DDA,” a senior official mentioned.
Moreover, officials have recommended that the Delhi government set a timeline for applications, although this would require approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). “For now, there’s no deadline. A decision on this will follow the ministry’s consent,” stated the official.
In addition to proposed fee reductions, the Delhi government and MCD are planning awareness camps in various districts to help residents understand how to first obtain ownership rights under PM-UDAY and then apply for property regularization via SWAGAM.
“The goal is to raise awareness since many people are unaware of the process and its benefits. Camps will be held district-wise to facilitate this,” the official affirmed.
Officials have sent six rounds of direct messages to around 40,000 PM-UDAY beneficiaries, urging them to acquire ownership rights and complete the regularization process through the SWAGAM portal. They noted that the tepid response is also tied to the perception that regularization entails immediate costs with few immediate benefits, making many residents hesitant to incur the charges.
Previously, the MCD had initiated an awareness campaign using auto-tippers collecting waste in unauthorized colonies, broadcasting messages encouraging residents to obtain ownership rights and engage in the regularization process.
Moreover, the civic body has engaged around 711 architects to assist applicants in preparing and uploading building plans, and has established facilitation mechanisms to make documentation and approvals more accessible.
