'Ownership rights to be provided to more than 10 lakh shopkeepers'

New Delhi: In a move that may bring relief to people with leasehold property, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Monday announced that direct freehold and ownership rights will be given to more than ten lakh shopkeepers.

Addressing a press conference here, DDA's Authority Member Vijender Gupta said, "Role of builders is being removed and that property holders can directly contact DDA to freehold their property." He added that the decision will stop the exploitation and irregularities by unscrupulous private builders. "Earlier builder used to do everything from lease to every other work, now the involvement of a builder has ended and people can now come to DDA and make their deeds directly and can freehold their property without any middle person. The person basically had no ownership right, because builder was there, that has been removed," said Gupta.

According to the policy, shopkeepers or unit holders will now be able to get apartment deed in their favour from DDA. "They can also get their unit/shop free hold from DDA without much hassle. Till now such unit holders were at the mercy of the builder for getting their unit freehold," said a statement by DDA. "The notification was issued three-four days ago, but DDA has received it just now," said Gupta. He also said that the application procedure has also been made simple.