The Hindu 14.07.2016
New online layout approval system in Chennai by August
Residents, businesses, industries and start-ups that are
applying for layout plan approvals and permits for building
construction in Chennai are soon likely to find the process much easier.
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
the CMDA. Construction of many multi-storied buildings have been delayed
owing to restrictions relating to air traffic.
The
new initiatives are expected to improve conditions in cities with
airports that attract business. 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.
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