Delhi: Residents of unauthorised colonies praise Centre's decision

After the Central government announced the decision to approve regulations conferring and recognising ownership rights to residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi, residents of these colonies hailed the government's decision on Wednesday, October 23. Several local people were seen distributing sweets on the streets after the cabinet announced the decision, which is expected to benefit over 40 lakh residents of the national capital.

'This is a huge decision'

"Modi government has taken the decision to give ownership rights to landowners in unauthorised colonies. We are very happy. This is a huge decision," a resident of an unauthorised colony, Mohinder told ANI. Locals said they had been hearing of the regularisation of unauthorised colonies in the city for some years now. "We had been hearing about this for a long time now. Several governments have come and gone. They played politics over the matter, but no concrete decision was taken in the matter. However, Both Modi and AAP government are known for their landmark decisions. We think this time, it will actually go through," said another resident.

Kejriwal praised the Centre's decision 

Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal has also applauded the Union Cabinet's decision. "This was an old demand of the people of Delhi. We welcome this decision. I would like to thank the Central government on behalf of the people of Delhi," Kejriwal said while addressing the media on October 23.

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The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar and Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, October 23, made an announcement to grant ownership rights to the citizens living in the unauthorised colonies in Delhi. Prakash Javadekar also made four other announcements related to the telecom, MSP for farm produce and India-Tibetian border. Hardeep Singh Puri elaborated on the details of the provision that has to be given to the permanent residents to the unauthorised dwellers in Delhi. A Bill for the same will also be announced in the next Parliament session, said Prakash Javadekar. 

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Prakash Javadekar called it 'a historic decision'

Prakash Javadekar announced in a press briefing that “The Cabinet has taken a historic decision to give ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi”. This move from the Centre comes ahead of the Delhi assembly elections that are to be held in 2020. Prakash Javadekar also added that the proposal of this announcement was based on the recommendations of a committee.

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(With ANI inputs)