Pre-2000 cut-off date for eligibility on slum rehabilitation: DNA

In its proposed draft for slum development scheme, the state government has cleared the air over the cut-off date for slum dwellers' rehabilitation. The policy says that the government will only consider pre-2000 slums eligible for rehabilitation.

"This cut-off date will be non-negotiable," the draft policy reads, also mentioning that schemes of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) should be aligned with the city's master plan.

"All privately owned land in slum areas should be acquired and compensation be given for private persons in lieu of their right," it stated.

Compensating the public land owning authorities to the extent of 25% of the land's Ready Reckoner (RR) value should be followed for private owners as well. This may be offered to owners as a price through private negotiations within the scope as per the government's guidelines.

"If this rate is unacceptable to owners, then land acquisition methodology (suitably revised by amending the Act) given in the Slum Act should be be followed. The land acquisition is to be taken on a pro-active basis and no waiting for the proposals on the said slum land ad infinitum. A fixed time limit may be determined by amendment to the SRA Act," stated in the policy.

Also, a government authority may give a deadline to the owner to initiate the scheme and then move ahead proactively. The policy clarifies that the eligibility criteria should be made unambiguous and easy to implement.

"The eligibility will be based on only voters list of 2000 and eligible families will not increase beyond this. If a family has entered into a transaction with some family that has mention in 2000 voters list, the new entrant, and not the old one, should be declared eligible," says the draft, adding that occupants of upper floors and mezzanine floors are presently ineligible.

The draft makes it clear that the layout of the building and the fact that it dates to the pre-2000 period is important while allotting the house, rather than the occupants themselves.

"These families will be offered ownership on payment of full purchase value, or rental hire-cum-purchase option through rental tenements. These families will not have a claim for in-situation rental. Once they have paid for 15 years rental, they will be allotted the same dwelling on ownership," it says.

If the consent of residents and owners is not received in time, the bidding process among eligible developers shall be taken forward in a transparent manner.