Single-window clearance for construction plans in Delhi

For residential plots up to 105 square meters, the owner need not obtain sanction of building plans.

In a significant policy shift in Delhi’s building by-laws, the Union Urban Development Ministry on Wednesday announced “single-window clearance” for construction plans for both residential and commercial properties within a month, while exempting owners of residential plots up to 105 square meters from seeking sanction of building plan.

“The laws have been made user-friendly through unification and simplification of a host of amendments made over the last three decades and integration of approvals by different agencies into a single platform,” said Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu at a press conference here. “The new process would reduce human interface and enable approvals in just 30 days,” he added.

For residential plots up to 105 square meters, the owner need not obtain sanction of building plans. “You (owner) can just submit an undertaking intimating about construction along with requisite fees and other documents to start construction,” said Mr. Naidu, while explaining the new amendments.

Previously, applicants had to go through a cumbersome process to get sanction of building plans as it involved scrutiny and approvals from various government agencies such as the National Monuments Authority, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Delhi Fire Services and the Airports Authority of India.

With the modification of the building by-laws, an applicant can now file one single online application to the concerned urban local body.

Highlighting another key amendment in the laws, Aishwar Rao, the chief spokesperson of the Ministry, said that payments for obtaining approvals from various departments have also been consolidated in the same online form. “With a click of your mouse, you can make one single payment electronically,” said Mr. Rao.

The amendments come in the light of the World Bank’s “ease of doing business” ranking of 2015, in which India is at the 130th position.

A senior official in Urban Development Ministry told The Hindu that a directive came from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office asking Mr. Naidu to “simplify” the process of granting permits to new constructions. The final goal, the official said, is to gain the confidence of foreign investors by creating a “smart” urban infrastructure.

After Delhi, Mr. Naidu said that Mumbai would also unify its building by-laws. “After these two major cities (Delhi and Mumbai) we would ask other cities to follow suit,” he added.

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