Agency (New Delhi):
The Parliament, on December 19, 2023, passed a significant bill extending legal protection against punitive action for unauthorised colonies in Delhi for an additional three years, pushing the deadline to December 2026. This development occurred after the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2023, was passed by a voice vote in the Lok Sabha following a brief discussion.
In the Rajya Sabha, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized that the problems in Delhi predate the Modi administration and were the result of previous governments’ neglect. The bill has been under consideration since 2019, following the Delhi Chief Minister’s request for additional time to complete necessary work.
Puri outlined the challenges faced in addressing the needs of approximately 40 lakh people living in these unauthorised colonies. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered progress in 2020 and 2021, delaying the registration process for households. So far, registrations for four lakh households have been completed, with a target of eight to ten lakh households.
The minister highlighted the influx of people to Delhi from rural areas and other parts of the country, which previous governments did not adequately address. The problem of unauthorised colonies was visible 20 years ago but was only legally acknowledged in 2006 when Congress brought legislation to provide a one-year protection, which has been extended annually and then every three years since 2011.
Active consultation with the Delhi Chief Minister is ongoing to finalize the verification of unauthorised colonies, after which the Centre can identify encroachments and offer relief. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal criticized the Congress and AAP for not supporting this crucial bill for Delhi, accusing them of ignoring the needs of the poor.
The debate in the Upper House saw participation from eight members, with BJP member Baburam Nishad initiating the discussion and supporting the bill. The bill was also backed by members of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), BJP, and AIADMK, with a focus on addressing the problems of slum dwellers not just in Delhi but across the country.
This bill represents a significant step in addressing the long-standing issue of unauthorised colonies in Delhi, offering relief and stability to millions of residents living in these areas.