Agency receives unprecedented 1.35 lakh registrations
The final day of the biggest Housing Scheme in the national Capital witnessed a maddening rush of applicants. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) received an unprecedented 1.35 lakh registrations on Wednesday, the highest ever for a single day. While the housing agency was tallying the final figures as online registrations were open till midnight, it got at least 7.5 lakh completed applications so far. The draw of lots will be conducted on November 5.
Offering 25,034 flats, the mega 2014 Housing Scheme finally surpassed the response of the previous scheme. If DDA officials are to be believed, this year’s scheme has got the highest ever response from people.
“The last day of the scheme has been overwhelming. We have received over 7.5 lakh registrations, which are more than that in the 2010 Housing Scheme where there were 7.4 lakh applicants. In the 2008 Housing Scheme, we had got 5.66 lakh registrations,” a senior DDA official said, adding that the numbers may increase as online applications were open till midnight till Thursday. Besides, several banks also extended their working hours to accept applications beyond the 5 pm deadline.
The authority has sold a total of 17 lakh forms through the 13 empanelled banks and outlets stationed at DDA Headquarters Vikas Sadan in INA. While the DDA had got 20 lakh brochures printed, the authority is analyzing as to what led the number of registrations being considerably less.
“The scheme was not so appealing for the middle class and above as number of two-three bedroom flats is very less in this scheme. Another important reason is the new clause of five-year lock-in period that we introduced which has kept property speculators at bay,” added the official.
According to the new clause, the flats wouldn’t be registered in the name of the allottee till five years from the date of possession. Though the total number of flats is the biggest offered by DDA ever, the lion’s share of it - 22,627 -consists of one bed-room flats, which are more appealing to the economically-weaker sections of the society. Number of three bedroom flats is just 21 and that of two bedroom flats is 561.
Unsuccessful applicants, who don’t get a flat in the draw of lots to be conducted on November 5, will be refunded the registration amount of Rs 1 lakh within one month (for EWS Rs 10,000). Earlier the DDA used to take at least three months to refund the money. The period of one month will be counted from the date of closure of the scheme, October 15. Also, those who have taken the amount on loan from banks might have to pay lesser interest as the money would be transferred to the bank directly within a month.