Access to Housing Rights and Property Rights for Women: Select Study in Delhi and NCR Regions

Abstract

This article critically evaluates the housing policies and legal provisions regarding property rights for women in India. It interrogates the inclusion of gender within the policies, programmes and laws, and exposes its biases and skewed priorities. Through a desk review of the policies and programmes and an examination of court judgements, it provides an understanding of the contestations and challenges that exist therein. With carefully conducted interviews and focussed group discussions with women beneficiaries and policy implementers, this article strives to enrich the analysis. It provides a set of suggestions and recommendations on enhancing awareness on women’s right to property and providing women greater access to housing rights. Although the fieldwork has been conducted in Delhi–NCR region, it has implications for the country as a whole. Overall this article contextualises the debates on gender, policy, laws and institutions in a broader framework of material structure s and a patriarchal society. It highlights the significance of creating awareness on gender issues for all concerned, including policymakers, implementers, judiciary and the women beneficiaries themselves.