In a significant move, the Union Territory Government has ordered the abolition of the Urban Transport Environment Improvement Committee (UTEIC) in Jammu. The abolition of UTEIC, which mandated the procurement of 16 NOCs for building permission, comes as a relief to many who have faced delays and hurdles in urban development projects. The decision to abolish UTEIC, as outlined in the formal order issued by the Commissioner Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, signifies a step towards simplifying and expediting the process of obtaining building permissions in Jammu.
The abolition of UTEIC is particularly significant considering the recommendations made by the then Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, highlighting the alleged harassment faced by building permission seekers. Despite the recommendation being made in 2021, it took more than two years for the Housing and Urban Development Department to take decisive action. One of the ironies surrounding UTEIC was its selective implementation, with Srinagar and even the JMC exempt from its purview for areas up to 20,000 square feet. However, the JDA had been routing all building permission cases for commercial establishments through UTEIC, further exacerbating the bureaucratic hurdles faced by applicants.
To obtain 16 NOCs from various departments before the UTEIC meeting was a major obstacle for applicants, often leading to delays and frustration. The impracticality of achieving all NOCs before the meeting, coupled with the irregular attendance of committee members, resulted in frequent deferrals and prolonged harassment of applicants. The abolition signifies the end of this burdensome process, offering relief to small-time proposals and application seekers who have been awaiting approvals for their projects.
The Government’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Jammu and Kashmir is commendable, but the selective application of UTEIC by JDA is perplexing. Given the rapid expansion of Jammu and the upcoming infrastructure projects expected to boost tourist arrivals, there’s a pressing need for commercial establishments to cater to the growing influx. However, delays caused by bureaucratic bottlenecks must be addressed. The abolition of UTEIC is a significant step towards eliminating such obstacles and fostering a more conducive business environment in Jammu.
The decision to devolve the responsibility for observing provisions related to urban development to the respective building permit-issuing authorities is a positive step towards decentralisation and efficiency. By empowering local authorities to enforce regulations and guidelines, the Government aims to streamline the process of urban development and ensure timely approvals for projects. The abolition of UTEIC reflects a broader commitment to reforming bureaucratic processes and promoting ease of doing business in Jammu. It signals a shift towards a more transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric approach to urban development. However, it is essential to ensure that the abolition of UTEIC does not lead to a lapse in oversight or compromise on environmental and traffic management considerations. There is a need for continued vigilance and oversight to ensure that the abolition of UTEIC results in tangible improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the building permit process. This includes monitoring the performance of local authorities, addressing any bottlenecks or challenges that may arise, and soliciting feedback from stakeholders to inform further reforms.
Implementing an online portal for submitting applications and tracking their progress would enhance transparency and accountability. This would allow applicants to monitor the status of their proposals and understand any delays. Defining clear timeframes for processing applications will set expectations for both applicants and authorities, ensuring timely approvals. By eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, the Government has paved the way for faster, more efficient, and more transparent urban development in the region.
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