While unplanned colonies retain a negative image for most city planners, pragmatic reasons favour their regularisation. A large number of Delhi's residents live in such unauthorised colonies, most of which are now being regularised. But just how many people, and what changes for them through regularisation? This process does not come without preconditions, spelled out through an emphasis on self-enumeration as well as the mandatory formation of resident welfare associations during the application for legal status. Analysing these procedures, this article argues that greater inclusiveness is offered only to those who adhere to a new meaning of citizenship, focusing on residents' active nd financial participation in development and governance.
