The housing and urban poverty alleviation ministry is set to finalise the draft Model Property Rights to Slum Dwellers Bill. If enacted by states, it would for the first time give landless slum dwellers living in an urban area long-term legal entitlement to a “dwelling place.” Besides, the slum dwellers would also be given the right to mortgage their property and raise money from banks to build their houses. This move by Ajay Maken would certainly bring relief to the poor who otherwise live a nomadic life.

However, it remains to be seen whether it will actually be implemented and benefit the poor or is just another poverty alleviation scheme which will remain on paper?