The Hindu        12.07.2016 

New online layout approval system by Aug.

The
Greater Chennai Corporation plans to speed up the process by
introducing a new online layout approval system for urban development by
August.

An official of the Corporation said a trial
run of the new system had begun in the northern areas of the city
covering Tondiarpet, Royapuram, Manali, Madhavaram and Tiruvottiyur.

The
Union Urban Development Ministry has directed the civic body to take
initiatives for online layout approval as the State ranks low in
implementing the 98-point action plan for business reforms. A large
chunk of investments in Tamil Nadu are concentrated in Chennai. But, the
process of obtaining layout plan approval and building approval
continues to be challenging.

The Corporation had
launched an online system in 2009 but it had glitches, was not fully
automated and the whole process took between three to six months.

At
least 10,000 buildings are developed in the city every year. Many of
them remain unapproved because of red tape and issues relating to the
existing system.

The old online system was also not integrated with the payment gateway.

“Any
NRI who wants to start a business can get building approval or layout
plan approval online without visiting the Corporation office through the
new online system. The new system covers the process end-to-end,” said
an official of the Corporation. Officials at the regional level are set
to be instructed on how to expedite the process after August.

After
online submission of the application through Chennai Corporation
citizen portal, the system will generate an acknowledgement and an
automated inspection schedule. The applicant will receive SMS and email
notifications. After inspection, the payment of fee and printing of
approved plan copy can be made through the citizen portal.

At
a recent meeting, senior officials focussed on integrating a single
window system with agencies such as the Airport Authority of India and
CMDA. Construction of many multi-storied buildings have been delayed
owing to restrictions relating to air traffic.

India
was ranked 142 in Doing Business Report, 2015, released by the World
Bank. The rank has improved in ‘dealing with construction permit’ and
‘getting electricity’ indicators as some cities such as Chennai have
already initiated measures. However, many delegations visiting the city
have stressed the need for quick approval.