DDA flats: 3.5 lakh forms sold

It's been a week since the Delhi Development Authority launched its housing scheme and the response is overwhelming. The authority has already sold more than 3.5 lakh application forms and its website www.dda.org.in is getting record hits. Sidhartha Roy reports.

It's been a week since the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) launched its housing scheme and the response is overwhelming. The authority has already sold more than 3.5 lakh application forms and its website www.dda.org.in is getting record hits.

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The latest housing scheme of DDA offers more than 16,000 flats to suit all aspirations and budgets. The scheme was launched on November 25 and applications can be submitted till December 24.

"People's response has been tremendous and it seems there will be more applications this time than the last housing scheme," said a senior DDA official who is not authorised to speak to the media.

According to DDA sources, at least 3.5 lakh forms have already been sold through different bank branches across the city. "Our website is facing a huge overload as it has got more than four lakh hits in the last week," the official said.

"We have printed 12.3 lakh forms, which are available at branches of the banks we have authorised," DDA spokeswoman Neemo Dhar said, adding, "We have asked these banks to send a requisition three days in advance if more forms are required."

DDA is not selling the forms this time and these are available at select branches of authorised banks. Applicants will have to submit the forms at the banks.

DDA is yet to receive any applications but expects them to start streaming in after a week.

"This time the conditions are very stringent and it seems applicants are taking their time to carefully fill up the form," a DDA official said.

In its last housing scheme in 2008, DDA had offered 5,020 flats. More than 10 lakh forms were sold and DDA received six lakh applications in response.