A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1982

The Large-Scale Government Land Acquisition, Development and Disposal Policy was introduced in Delhi in 1961 in response to the inconsistencies in development of this city. Delhi has over the past four decades maintained a very high growth rate. This rapid growth imposed a heavy demand on urban land and services for housing, commerce, industry, recreation etc. As a spin-off, was also, a rather disproportionate growth of the low and middle income population with increasing employment in the informal sector. Delhi's land policy was designed to achieve optimal social use of land and to eliminate land speculation. But when put into practice, the desired benefits did not accrue to a large section of the population. This study briefs on the recent growth and development of Delhi, its Master Plan, and the problem aspects of implementation of the land policy. It then assesses the needs and analyses the salient issues in housing for the masses. The findings and recommendations of the study point out the need for directing future policies towards promoting the role of private sector in housing development. This requires redefining the role of the public sector in the provision of housing and the need for revision of the existing regulatory standards for land and housing. Three main action programmes are proposed and outlined.