DDA offers 6,000 'twice rejected' flats to paramilitary forces
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has offered 6,000 flats to paramilitary forces for their staff. At first glance, it's a generous gesture, but there's a catch: these flats have been rejected by their original allottees who got them in 2017. Ironically, these flats have been rejected earlier too, in 2014, after which they were "refurbished". Here's how DDA landed itself in such an embarrassment.
About DDA's 2017 housing scheme
In 2017, the DDA's housing scheme offered 12,000 flats to interested buyers. 46,000 applications were received. Flats were offered in the High Income Group category costing Rs. 50-126L, Middle Income Group category for Rs. 30-90L, Low Income Group category for Rs. 15-30L and Janta flats for Rs. 7-12L. These flats are located in Rohini, Dwarka, Vasant Kunj and other areas.
Despite the "ambitious" scheme, flats fell short of basic needs
In November'17, lottery was held for the flats. But within 15 days, 6,000 allottees had returned them. They insisted the flats were not "livable." Reportedly, roads nearby weren't properly constructed and drinking water wasn't available. Residents had to travel miles to purchase basic necessities. According to rules, an allottee can surrender their flat within 15 days after the demand-cum-allotment letters are issued.
The worst part: These flats were rejected earlier, then "corrected"
Ironically, about 11,000 of the 12,000 flats allotted in 2017 are old ones which were rejected in 2014. The reasons were similar then too: there were issues with electricity supply, water, public transport and other basics. The DDA claimed to have addressed the problems.
What if the paramilitary rejects the flats too?
Left with 6,000 unallotted flats, the DDA approached the paramilitary, offering the flats for housing their staff. The CISF has sought 750 flats in Rohini. 1,500 flats in Narela were already assigned to the CISF to be used as quarters. If the paramilitary also rejects these, they are to be "refurbished" or "repurposed" to be included in future DDA schemes.
What does this mean for DDA?
This is a huge setback for DDA, which has been trying to lure customers away from private players that often provide better amenities at lower rates. But DDA seems determined to up its game. The 2018 scheme boasts of underground parking and rainwater harvesting units.
