Government to Scrap Outdated Building Rules

KOCHI:
The State Government wants to revamp the outdated building rules in Kerala, in order to help the housing and construction sector in Kerala, said T K Jose, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department (LSGD).
Speaking at the panel discussion on “Ease of doing Business” at the Credai State Conference here today, he said that the Department will soon introduce a non-manual system to give clearance to various building applications. The Government has already decided to have a software to introduce this facility.
The Department also decided a deemed licensing system in which applications will get automatic clearance within 30 days time. He said that initially this will be introduced in six corporations and major municipalities across the State.
In order to create more transparency in processing the building permits all the details of pending applications will be uploaded on the website of LSGD. This facility will also be introduced at the local panchayat/municipal level soon.
He also said that a new master plan for the development of the city of Thiruvananthapuram will be prepared by the end of December 2017. Preparatory works of master plans for other corporations and major towns will be initiated in next 9 to 12 months period. All the stakeholders of the industry should come
forward to resolve various issues pertaining to the sector. He added that Credai should take initiative officially to bring each issues before the Government. He also invited creative suggestions from various organizations like Credai and KPMG.
Speaking at the session, Dr M Beena, Managing Director, Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) said that 5 districts of the State will soon have multi-industrial devel
opment centers. She said that the Government will set up a system to give all the clearances within a short period. KPMG is now doing a study in order to introduce a new system in this regard.
Last year, Kerala was on 18 th rank in ease of doing business. But, this year the ranking has dropped to 20 th position. The Government has decided to set up a new system in the model of Punjab State Investment Promotion Board in order to give a speedy clearance various projects.
Jayesh Kariya of KPMG was the moderator of the session. Reghuchandran Nair, National Vice President, Credai also spoke on the occasion.