Everything You Need to Know About Applying for Housing on e-Sampada

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

The landscape of government housing in India has been transformed significantly with the introduction of the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) scheme, particularly through its integration with the e-Sampada portal.

This integration marks a pivotal shift in how central government employees access residential facilities, promising a more streamlined, transparent, and efficient process. This article explores the nuances of the GPRA scheme, the revolutionary role of e-Sampada, and the broader implications for governance and employee welfare.

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What is GRPA?

The General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) scheme is a key initiative by the Government of India, specifically aimed at providing housing for central government employees. Moreover, managed by the Directorate of Estates under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, GPRA also oversees the distribution of government-owned residences.

This program not only serves both serving and retired officials but also ensures they have access to adequate housing facilities.

The GPRA complexes are strategically located in Delhi and, moreover, in 39 other significant locations across India, including major cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Chandigarh. The Central Government regulates the allocation of these accommodations through the General Pool Residential Accommodation Rules, 2017. Additionally, this process is complemented by periodically issued executive instructions.

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Are You Eligible For the GRPA Scheme?

For	Eligibility
NCT Residents	1. Applicants residing within the National Capital Territory (NCT) are eligible for GPRA. 2. Their current residence must be sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation (CCA).
Non-Delhi Government Employees	1. Government employees working in offices outside Delhi are also eligible to apply for GPRA. 2. Their applications must be endorsed by the Joint Secretary and approved by the CCA. 3. Applicants must provide information about the status of their office and confirm whether their department offers an alternative residential accommodation pool.
Departmental Residential Accommodation Pool	1. Employees working in departments with their own residential accommodation pool are eligible to apply for GPRA. 2. Applicants must submit a certificate confirming that no junior employee has been allotted accommodation from the department’s pool.

Applications will be denied if they lack the required certificate stating compliance with the above eligibility criteria.

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Types of Government Quarters

The General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) scheme offers a variety of housing options tailored to the rank and grade of government employees. Below is a breakdown:

Types	Eligible Employees	Features
Type I to III Quarters	Junior staff Lower-grade government employees	Basic housing designed to meet the needs of lower-grade employees, with minimal amenities but adequate living conditions.
Type IV Quarters	Middle-level officers and employees.	Spacious accommodation with improved facilities compared to Type I to III quarters, providing comfort suitable for mid-level officials.
Type V to VII Quarters	Senior officers High-ranking officials	Larger, well-furnished quarters with premium amenities, ensuring a comfortable living environment for top-tier government officers.

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What is e Sampada?

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launched e-Sampada, a centralized digital platform, to manage the allotment of government residential accommodations. Moreover, it streamlines the processes of application, allocation, and management of General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) and other government properties.

Key Features of e Sampada

For Central Government Employees:

1. Centralised Application System:
e-Sampada simplifies the housing application process by offering a single platform where employees can apply for government accommodation.

2. Real-Time Application Tracking:
Employees can track the status of their housing applications at any time, providing transparency and reducing uncertainty.

3. Transparency in Allotment:
The platform allows users to check the availability of quarters in real-time, ensuring a fair and transparent allotment process.

4. Eligibility Verification:
Employees can easily verify their eligibility for different types of accommodations based on their rank and grade.

5. Simplified Allotment Process:
e-Sampada reduces the chances of delays and discrepancies by ensuring a more efficient and systematic allotment process.

6. Convenient Management of Housing:
Employees manage all aspects of their housing, such as rent payments, maintenance requests, and updating personal details, through the platform once they receive accommodation.

7. Easy Maintenance Requests:
Employees can request maintenance services for their allotted quarters directly from the platform, ensuring quick and efficient handling of issues.

8. User-Friendly Interface:
The platform is user-friendly, allowing employees to conveniently manage their accommodations without excessive paperwork or physical visits.

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How to Register on e-Sampada: Step-by-Step Guide

Registering on e-Sampada is a simple process. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Access the e-Sampada Website

Go to the official e-Sampada portal using any web browser on your computer or mobile device. The website is designed to be easy to use, ensuring smooth navigation for everyone.

Step 2: Sign Up for an Account

On the homepage, locate the registration option and click it to begin. You will be asked to provide the following details:

• Personal Information: Your name, date of birth, and other relevant personal details.
  
• Employment Information: Details about your job, department, and office address.
  
• Contact Information: Enter your email address and phone number.

Ensure all information is accurate to avoid verification issues.

Step 3: Verify Your Email Address

After submitting the form, first, a verification email will be sent to your provided email address. Next, open the email and click the verification link to confirm your account.

• Check Spam/Junk Folder: If the email doesn’t arrive in your inbox, check the spam or junk folder.
  
• Resend Verification: If needed, you can request the system to resend the verification email.
  

Step 4: Log In to Your e-Sampada Account

Once your email is verified, log in to your account using the username and password you created during registration.

• Forgot Password: If you forget your password, you can use the ‘Forgot Password’ feature to reset it.
  

Step 5: Complete Your Profile

After logging in, update your profile by filling in additional information. This includes:

• Office Address: Provide the full address of your workplace.
  
• Contact Information: Add any missing contact details.
  
• Housing Preferences: Indicate your preferred type of accommodation and location.
  

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How Does the Allotment and Occupation Process Work?

The allotment of accommodation under the GPRA follows a system called the “Unified Waiting List.” This list includes everyone applying for accommodation, whether it’s for the first time or, alternatively, for a change of quarters.

We base allotments on the applicant’s seniority and the date they applied.

Note: Each government employee in Delhi can be allotted a residence twice — once initially and once for a change, if needed.

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eSampada: Allotment Timelines

• Bidding Period: The process for bidding starts on the 1st and ends on the 9th of every month.
  
• Profile Approval: Applicants must ensure that their profile is up-to-date and approved by their respective admins by the 31st or 30th of the previous month.
  
• Allotment Date: If you fail to do so, we may offer the accommodation to the next person in line.

Note: The timeline differs slightly based on the type of housing

All applicants need to update their profiles on e Sampada and get admin approval by the last day of the previous month.

After receiving an allotment, the employee must accept the offer and collect the necessary paperwork from the admin office by the 18th of the month. If you fail to do so, they may offer the accommodation to the next person in line. Additionally, the employee should move into the house by the 26th to avoid any delays or further complications.

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How to Apply for Government Quarters in Delhi?

Follow these simple steps to apply for government quarters in Delhi through e Sampada:

1. Visit the e Sampada website and select “Government Residential Accommodation.”

2. Once logged in, fill out the DE-II form.
   
3. Fill out the applicant form and DE-II form. The forms will be verified online by the concerned office.
   
4. After approval, we will include your application in the waiting list for the next month’s allotment.
   
5. If you receive an allotment, submit your acceptance within 8 days by filling out the “Acceptance Form” online.
   

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How Are the Allotment Letter and Authority Slip Issued on e Sampada?

• All allotment letters are issued online.
  
• Acceptance must be submitted through the ‘Acceptance Form’ available on e-Awas and e-Sampada.
  
• Once the Acceptance Form is verified and approved by the office:
  • An authority slip is generated online.
  • A licence fee bill is generated and sent to the allottee.
    
• After the physical occupation report of the allotted accommodation is received:
  • A revised licence fee bill will be sent online to the allottee.
    

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How to Surrender Accommodation Allotted Under GPRA?

If you wish to surrender your GPRA accommodation:

1. Inform the Directorate of Estates: At least two days before you plan to vacate. 
   
2. Allotment cancellation: The directorate will cancel the allotment either 11 days after receiving your notice or on the date you specify in the letter, whichever is later.
   
3. In absence of notice: If you do not provide the required notice:

• You will need to pay the licence fee for 10 days or 
• for the number of days your notice falls short of the 10-day requirement. 
• However, the Directorate of Estates may accept shorter notice periods in some cases.
  

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How to Handle NDC/ Dues in e Sampada?

1. Log in to the e Sampada portal.
   
2. Click on ‘House Allotment’ and select ‘NDC.’
   
3. Fill out the application and submit the request. This will be forwarded to your admin office for approval.
   
4. After admin approval, the application will go to the concerned allotment section in the Directorate of Estates for rent assessment and verification.
   
5. Once they verify it, they will issue a Clearance Certificate/No Demand Certificate online, stating either No Dues or Dues (if applicable).
   
6. After receiving the certificate, log in again to e Sampada.
   
7. Under ‘House Allotment,’ go to ‘Applicant Desk’ and then to ‘MIS.’
   
8. In the ‘Rent Info’ section, click ‘Show’ and proceed to download and print the certificate, including a detailed rent assessment.
   
9. In case of an allottee’s death, dependents should contact the allottee’s admin office for assistance.
   

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How to Register a Complaint on e Sampada? 

1. Visit the e Sampada website and scroll to the bottom of the website and click on the ‘Click here’ link for complaints.

2. You will be redirected to the complaint redressal page.
   
3. Login with Mobile or Email and click on submit.
   
4. You will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on your registered number or email. Enter the OTP to proceed.
   
5. To file a new complaint, click on the ‘Register New Complaint’ button (green tab) at the top right corner of the page.
   
6. Enter all required details about your complaint and upload any supporting documents.
   
7. After filling in the details, press ‘Submit’ to complete your complaint registration.
   

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Conclusion

The e-Sampada initiative is a clear example of the potential of digital solutions in transforming public sector operations. Moreover, as we move towards a more digitized future, the principles of efficiency, transparency, and user-friendliness embodied by e-Sampada will be increasingly critical.

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