Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated 1,675 newly constructed flats specifically designed for residents of Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters in Ashok Vihar.
The inauguration of the apartments marks the completion of the second phase of the in-situ slum rehabilitation project by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The slum clusters of northwest Delhi’s Jailorwala Bagh were also handed the keys to new flats under the initiative.
The Swabhiman Apartments provide a range of modern amenities such as electricity, water, and cooking gas connections. It also features elevators, a children’s park and a health centre. To create a bright and spacious living space, the apartments are carefully built for maximum natural light and ventilation, which ensures that sunlight and fresh air enter the rooms.
Each flat is 340 square feet and has a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom and balcony. The initiative aims to provide a better and healthier living environment with proper amenities and facilities to the slum dwellers.
The apartments were made affordable to slum dwellers through a subsidised arrangement. The government builds each flat at a cost of ₹25 lakh, with beneficiaries contributing only ₹1.42 lakh plus ₹30,000 for five years of maintenance.
The process of granting the flats started in March, with 1,396 flats distributed to residents from three JJ (Jhuggi Jhopri) clusters, which include Jailorwala Bagh, Golden Park Rampura and a slum near Mata Jai Kaur Public School. Of these total flats, 1,078 units were distributed alone to eligible residents in Jailorwala Bagh.
The DDA is drawing lots to allocate Swabhiman flats to eligible JJ residents’ families. This apartment with all basic urban facilities and amenities will contribute to ‘ease of living’ and the government initiative of Affordable Housing for All.
