The model legal framework for property rights proposes to include reservation of land for housing and informal sector activities by the urban poor in city and zonal plans.

"It will cover the provision of security of tenure to the urban poor and also making land available for affordable housing, basic amenities and informal sector activities of the poor through the process of urban planning," she said.

Admitting the past policy as faulty which could not cater to the needs of poor people in urban areas, Selja said it resulted in the mushrooming of slums in cities.

Master plans have led to exclusion of the poor from the city development process and driven them to precarious and illegal settlements, she said.