For nearly five lakh families living in Delhi’s slum clusters, the prospect of a permanent home may now be a step closer. The Delhi government on Thursday notified a new rehabilitation policy that seeks to provide eligible families with permanent housing, preferably at their existing locations or within a 3-km radius, so that they can remain close to their workplaces, children’s schools and other essential facilities.

The Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Relocation and Rehabilitation Policy, 2026, is expected to benefit around 4-5 lakh families, covering nearly 20 lakh people, according to government officials.

The policy extends the eligibility framework to families living in slum settlements established before January 1, 2025.…