Policy Update
Sanju Joshi
The housing scheme was introduced in 1967 by DDA, and since then, it has provided more than a million houses to people in Delhi. The initial goal was to provide houses to migrants and economically weaker sections (EWS); however, the vision later evolved into ensuring sustainable urban housing for all the citizens of Delhi. The criteria for allotment of flats was further divided into income-based categories, including EWS, lower income group (LIG), middle income group (MIG), and high income group (HIG).
In the 1970s, DDA launched planned housing colonies like Dwarka, Rohini, Narela, and Vasant Kunj. The planned housing colonies were systematically divided into blocks, well equipped with basic services like piped water, electricity, sewer lines, and garbage disposal. The colonies were planned with decent infrastructure including wide roads, streetlights, and well-constructed pavements. The housing scheme was backed by ‘The Master Plan for Delhi’ and was a major part of the plan. DDA has announced approximately 52 housing schemes to date, benefiting the registrants of the scheme. Flats are allocated to eligible applicants who apply under the housing scheme.
The Allotment and Ownership Procedure
The allotment process under DDA is usually carried out by drawing a lottery to ensure transparency. DDA conducts a computerized random lottery of the registrants, which is supervised by officials and often broadcast live or via DDA’s website. The results of the lottery are announced on the DDA website, after which the selected applicants are given 90 days to deposit the amount. In case the applicant fails to deposit the amount, the allotment is offered to the next applicant on the waiting list. After the full payment, the paper of possession, flat details, and documents are transferred to the owner.
Earlier the possession was on a leasehold basis, where the owner did not have the authority to the property; they were allowed to use the property for a fixed period (typically for 99 years). However, these days DDA mostly allots property on a freehold basis to promote ease of ownership and to make DDA flats more market-friendly and secure.
Benefits of the scheme
The DDA Housing Scheme benefits a wide range of the population, providing them with affordable housing and well-equipped infrastructure. The scheme promotes multiple housing choices, supporting diverse preferences. Also, it incorporates reserved categories to ensure the underprivileged have equitable access to housing opportunities. Applicants can easily apply online through the official DDA website, making the application process easy and accessible to all. The scheme promises well-planned developed infrastructure and planned colonies with provision for parks, schools, healthcare, and local shops. Many flats are already under modern construction standards, creating advanced urban colonies for locals.
Large-scale development of housing colonies leads to higher demand for construction workers, engineers, architects, and supervisors, resulting in an increase in employment opportunities. Demand for market activities like property management, brokerage, legal services, and housing finance also increased. The housing scheme generated a ripple effect, boosting the economy, creating employment, and improving social status, therefore leading to a positive impact.
Major DDA Housing Scheme
- DDA Housing Scheme 2008
Launched in 2008, this scheme was one of the major landmark initiatives by DDA that engaged significant public participation. Over 5 lakh applications were applied during this phase, making it a success. Flats across Dwarka, Narela, and Vasant Kunj were covered under the scheme, embarking on a high coverage start for housing schemes.
- DDA Housing Scheme 2010
DDA had launched a built-up multistoried residential flat scheme in different localities of Delhi in 2010. DDA sources have informed us that 16,118 units were allotted under the Housing Scheme 2010. The scheme was closely related to the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi in 2010, as it required significant urban and infrastructure development to accommodate the requirements of the games.
- DDA Housing Scheme 2014
In 2014, the online application process was introduced for the first time, which brought massive registrations. With over 7.5 lakh registrations, around 25,000 flats were offered under the scheme. It was one of the most popular housing schemes by DDA, with units spread across main regions of Delhi like Rohini, Narela, Dwarka, Vasant Kunj, Jasola, Mukherjee Nagar, Sirsapur, Kalyan Vihar, and Sarita Vihar.
Modern Schemes by DDA
- PMAY-U 2015
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban is a nation-level initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched in 2015. DDA is the state-level nodal agency for its implementation in Delhi. The core objective of the scheme was to provide housing to all the eligible beneficiaries by 2022. Also, the scheme addresses the housing needs of various sections of society, including widows, single women, persons with disabilities, and members from scheduled castes/tribes.
- DDA First Come First Serve (FCFS) Scheme 2022
The FCFS scheme marked a major shift in how flats/property were allotted by DDA. Earlier the allocation was decided through a lottery system; however, the scheme allowed applicants to choose and book flats online in real time. This scheme mainly offered unsold flats from previous housing schemes across areas like Dwarka, Narela, Rohini, etc. It aimed at speeding the allotment process, reducing uncertainties, and bringing greater transparency among its beneficiaries. The scheme allowed people to choose and book flats directly online, offering more transparency and control over location and flat type.
Challenges And Criticism
The scheme has come under scrutiny and been subject to public criticism on various occasions. Many allottees have complained about the poor construction quality of the flats, with issues like cracks, damp walls, pipe leakage, unfinished work, and so on. Another major concern is poorly connected locations that are far from the city with no transportation support in the area. Due to the issue, many people have surrendered their possession of flats. In schemes like 2014 and 2017, the surrender rate has been up to 40-50%. People prefer this instead of settling in a far remote area. There are also structural loopholes in the scheme causing demand disconnect in the market. The 1BHK flats serve as a great option for bachelors and young couples; however, being reserved for the EWS category limits accessibility for actual beneficiaries.
Other critics have further questioned the credibility of the scheme due to delayed possession, complicated paperwork, and a slow refund procedure. Although reforms have been made in recent years, the schemes continue to be under scrutiny due to social and administrative issues like corruption, low maintenance, delayed and longer procedures, and so on.
The DDA Housing Scheme has played an important role in promoting affordable housing in the city. Continuous efforts from the government have helped bridge the social gap and promote housing for all by prioritizing EWS, LIG, MIG, etc. However, the planning still requires structuring to eliminate the loopholes in the system. Despite these hurdles, the DDA Housing Scheme remains a critical instrument for ensuring planned urban growth, decongesting unauthorized colonies, and providing formal housing solutions in Delhi.
Way Forward
DDA has steadily improved its networking and operational structure over time resulting in improved credibility and improved infrastructural presence. With the digital approach DDA has taken significant steps to address the declining rate of participation and improve accessibility. The future directions involve increased emphasis on affordable housing for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Low Income Groups (LIG), integrating schemes with central initiatives like PMAY-U for credit-linked subsidies. Additionally, development of underdeveloped areas and slums through vertical, transit- oriented development can optimize urban space while ensuring satisfaction of the beneficiaries. With combined efforts of central and state governments, DDA can emerge as an efficient institution and can play a key role in shaping inclusive urban growth in Delhi.
References
Bajaj Finserv. (n.d.). Know about the DDA housing scheme in Delhi. https://www.bajajfinserv.in/insights/know-about-dda-housing-scheme-in-delhi
Delhi Development Authority. (n.d.). About housing. https://dda.gov.in/about-housing
Chauhan, A. S. (2025, April 10). DDA Housing Scheme 2025: Online Application, Prices, Last Date. Magicbricks. https://www.magicbricks.com/blog/dda-housing-scheme/118452.html
The Indian Express Rajput, A., & Baruah, S. (2019, April 1). Cramped rooms, poor transport, and unreliable water supply: DDA residents complain. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/dda-2014-housing-scheme-lower-income-group-homes-residents-complaints-5651944/
About the Contributor: Sanju Joshi is a research intern at IMPRI, pursuing economics honors from Delhi University.
Acknowledgement: The author would like to thank Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for supporting and reviewing the article.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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