DDA flat dream sinks social divide

Praveen Sharma (35), a senior MNC executive, and Sanjay Kumar (42), who sells lighters and pens at pavements, had something in common on Wednesday. Sidhartha Roy writes.

Praveen Sharma (35), a senior MNC executive, and Sanjay Kumar (42), who sells lighters and pens at pavements, had something in common on Wednesday.

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Both men were jostling for space in a private bank's dimly lit hall with at least 200 strangers to try their luck in the capital's biggest lottery - the Delhi Development Authority's (DDA) housing scheme.

"A DDA flat is our only chance to own a house in Delhi at an affordable price," said Sharma, who wanted to apply for a three bedroom flat. Kumar, for whom a one-room Janta flat will suffice, had tried his luck earlier but had failed.

The DDA is offering 16,000 flats ranging between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 1.12 crore. The scheme closes on Friday and applicants had taken leave from office or closed their shops to try their luck for flats. The rush was telling.

Three to four family members or friends accompanied almost each applicant.

"There are many forms to be filled and if there is a single mistake, we will miss our chance to own a flat," said Pankaj Verma, a retired government employee, who accompanied his son.