One-time reprieve: DDA likely to return registration amount to applicants who flouted rules in 2006

In a rare move, the Delhi Development Authority is likely to provide a one-time reprieve to the 388 people whose registration amount of Rs 1.5 lakh was forfeited during DDA’s 2006 housing scheme.

In a rare move, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is likely to provide a one-time reprieve to the 388 people whose registration amount of Rs 1.5 lakh was forfeited during DDA’s 2006 housing scheme.

The registration amount is usually forfeited if a person violates any one of the housing scheme rules such as filling multiple applications, or deliberately providing wrong information. “To ensure the housing schemes are fair, in 2006 we started a system in which each person could fill only one form and only one person from a family could fill apply. We have always had a rule that those who already own a DDA house cannot apply for another. All these rules are mentioned in the brochure that clearly states failure to comply will lead to the money being forfeited,” a DDA spokesperson said.

Following the draw in early 2007, 388 people were disqualified and their registration amount seized as per DDA’s policy. However, a large number of them have been appealing to the Lieutenant Governor and others to be granted reprieve. “Most of these 338 cases are of people who misunderstood the rules and filled more than one application in their name, or got different members of their family to apply. Their plea is that since these two rules were introduced by the DDA for the first time in 2006, they should be allowed some benefit of doubt,” a senior DDA official told Newsline.

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A proposal will be placed before the Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna and other Authority officials seeking approval for one of two options. “Either we stick to the book, and let the forfeiture conditions stand or we offer a one-time reprieve and deduct 20 per cent of the amount, which is roughly Rs 30,000, and give the rest back to the applicants,” the official said. Highly-placed DDA sources have confirmed to Newsline that in view of the large number of applicants protesting against the forfeiture, the authority is likely to go for the second option.

“The authority might deduct only 20 per cent and give the rest of the money back. However, this will be a one-time reprieve. In the 2008 housing schemes these rules were publicised through various media and the DDA will not accept excuses again,” a senior member of the authority said.