Delhi notifies SOP for PM-UDAY, transfers powers from DDA to revenue dept

The revenue department will now function as the nodal and implementing agency for PM-UDAY in place of the DDA with immediate effect

The Delhi government has notified a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for implementing the PM-UDAY scheme, setting timelines for processing applications,establishing dedicated district-level PM-UDAY cells and introducing a two-tier appeal mechanism for rejected claims. The SOP also formally transfers the responsibility of granting property rights in unauthorised colonies from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to the revenue department with immediate effect.

The additional district magistrate (ADM) of each revenue district has been designated as the “competent authority” empowered to approve or reject PM-UDAY applications irrespective of the location of the plot. (HT Archive)

The move follows the notification of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which has been duly approved by lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

According to the order issued by the office of the divisional commissioner on May 12, the revenue department will now function as the nodal and implementing agency for PM-UDAY in place of the DDA with immediate effect. The SOP aims to streamline processing of applications, improve accountability and decentralise decision-making through district-level implementation.

Under the framework, the additional district magistrate (ADM) of each revenue district has been designated as the “competent authority” empowered to approve or reject PM-UDAY applications irrespective of the location of the plot.

ADMs will also have powers to conduct quasi-judicial inquiries in disputed or borderline cases and authorise officers for execution of conveyance deeds (for government land) and authorisation slips (for private land), according to the SOP.

The SOP mandates establishment of dedicated PM-UDAY cells across all 13 revenue districts. These cells, headed by ADMs, will oversee day-to-day scrutiny, verification, deficiency management and approval processes.

A central PM-UDAY branch will also be created at revenue headquarters to coordinate with agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), DDA and GIS agencies.

The document lays down a detailed step-by-step process for applicants.

Residents must first register on the PM-UDAY portal, following which a GIS survey through empanelled agencies will be conducted. The users will also have to upload ownership and possession documents and complete physical verification, according to the SOP.

The SOP prescribes timelines for different stages, including seven working days for GIS-ID communication and 45 days for issuance of conveyance deeds or authorisation slips after completion of the application process.

The SOP also introduces a grievance redressal and appellate mechanism. Applicants whose claims are rejected by the ADM can appeal before the district magistrate within 30 days, followed by a second appeal before the divisional commissioner within a month.

“This mechanism shall also apply to appeals arising from orders passed by DDA officials prior to transfer of the scheme. The divisional commissioner shall also have suo-motu powers, including power to cancel any CD/AS (conveyance deeds/authorisation slips) in cases of fraud or error,” read the SOP.

The divisional commissioner has additionally been granted suo motu powers to review or cancel fraudulent or erroneous approvals after giving affected parties an opportunity to be heard.