LUCKNOW, April 18 -- The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has directed that lower-level officials cannot reject One-Time Settlement (OTS) applications without prior approval from vice chairman Prathamesh Kumar, in a move aimed at ensuring transparency and encouraging participation among nearly 4,000 identified defaulters. The authority will roll out the OTS scheme from April 18 to July 17, 2026. To ensure wider outreach, LDA will organise camps across all its housing and commercial schemes, enabling allottees to submit applications closer to their localities instead of visiting the main office. Officials said the directive addresses long-standing complaints of arbitrary objections and delays in file processing. By centralising approval for rejections, the authority aims to streamline disposals and build greater trust among applicants. To further ease the process, LDA has set up a dedicated help desk at its single window counter. Staff will assist applicants in filling out online forms on the spot and provide guidance on eligibility and payment procedures. The scheme targets defaulters across categories, including Ashrayheen, EWS, LIG, MIG and HIG, along with those holding residential, commercial and institutional properties, and cases related to building plan approvals. htc...