Vijay Goel seeks quota for Delhiites in housing schemes

New Delhi: Union minister Vijay Goel demanded reservation for Delhiites in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) housing schemes. Mr Goel has requested lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal to review DDA’s flats or plots allotment policy, whereby people residing in Delhi be given reservation in them.

As per the extant allotment policy, Mr Goel said, the DDA flats or plots are offered on a national basis without considering the requirements of Delhiites who are already living here. “Flats or plots should be offered to the persons who have been staying in Delhi for at least a period of three years and persons who are working here. In case it is found difficult to implement the policy in full, 20 per cent may be offered to the people from outside,” said Mr Goel.

Mr Goel asked if the Delhi government can provide reservation to Delhiites in the schemes meant for old people, women, unmarried daughters and others then why can’t DDA provide reservation to residents of Delhi?

Union sport minister claimed that review of DDA’s allotment policy is important for middle class and low-income groups that rely on DDA, which offers flats at cheaper rates, to fulfil their dream of owning a flat in the city.

“Presently, about 30-40 lakh people in Delhi are eagerly waiting to get their own residence. However, due to DDA policy, the actual allotment of a large number of flats or plots is made to the persons who are not residents of Delhi, leading to gross injustice to the actual residents of the city,” he said.