Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is an autonomous body responsible for planning and developing Delhi. The objective of DDA is to promote affordable housing in Delhi by providing better infrastructure facilities to the people living in this city.
The DDA housing program offers apartments so people from various income brackets can afford a house. To guarantee transparency, DDA units in Delhi are allotted by computerized draw. DDA land refers to Delhi land owned, administered, or allocated by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). In this blog, we’ll discuss the role of the DDA in promoting affordable housing projects in Delhi.
Delhi Development Authority (DDA): An Overview
To “secure and promote the development of Delhi,” the Delhi Development Act established the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as a planning authority in 1957. Within the boundaries of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, India, it is in charge of developing, planning, and building housing projects, commercial real estate, and land management, as well as providing public facilities like roads, bridges, drains, underground water reservoirs, community centers, sports facilities, green belts, etc.
Understanding Affordable Housing in Delhi
The term “affordable housing” refers to homes accessible to those who earn less than the median household income.
The government of India (GoI) introduced the Affordable Housing Plan in June 2015 to meet the housing requirements of households with lower and intermediate incomes. Affordable housing units are eligible for reduced Goods and Service Tax (GST) rates than typical residential housing, which is a significant benefit to the buyer of an affordable house at the time of home purchase.
According to tax and investment experts, a home buyer must pay GST at purchase, but they must understand what an inexpensive property entails under the GST. DDA land is a significant asset, and the authority has tight rules governing its distribution and usage.
Including low-income people, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) intends to introduce a new housing program in April 2023 that would provide inexpensive dwellings. The pricing of the flats will be decided before the start of the application process in May.
A computerized draw of lots will distribute the flats. DDA housing restrictions will also be modified and relaxed, enabling persons who own plots or apartments less than 67 square meters to apply for new flats. In addition, DDA is constructing 1,675 EWS apartments for the Jailorwala Bagh JJ cluster in Ashok Vihar; the project is scheduled to be finished in early 2023.
The Role of DDA in Promoting Affordable Housing
The National Capital Territory of Delhi is planned, developed, and maintained by the Delhi Development Authority, a governmental organization. According to the Delhi Development Act of 1957, the DDA was established. It is one of India’s biggest planning organizations and has access to material and financial resources.
The Delhi Development Act’s guidelines were followed in creating and distributing the DDA’s master plan for Delhi. Zoning laws and a land-use plan are also included in the master plan. It also enables the construction of the city’s infrastructure.
According to the DDA, Delhi’s residential, commercial, and industrial districts must be developed. Moreover, it develops infrastructure, including highways, bridges, flyovers, trains, etc.
Takeaway:
As we saw, the Delhi Development Authority has been working hard to promote affordable housing in Delhi. However, challenges remain, and more work is still needed. The government of Delhi should continue to support DDA in its efforts by providing funds where necessary and taking steps that address challenges specific to this sector, such as land availability.
Yet, difficulties, including legal wrangling, environmental concerns, and a lack of infrastructure, frequently impede the development of DDA land. Notwithstanding these difficulties, the DDA nevertheless contributes significantly to the growth of Delhi by providing land for various projects and encouraging affordable housing in the area.
