Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (UDN): The Odisha government has stepped up efforts to speed up building plan approvals, directing officials to clear pending applications within stipulated timelines and warning that deliberate delays or negligence will invite strict action.
Housing and Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee issued the directions during a review meeting at Kharavela Bhawan on Friday, where she assessed the status of applications pending under the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS).
The review covered Development Authorities, Municipal Corporations and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with a focus on identifying bottlenecks and ensuring faster disposal of applications.
Pending Applications to Be Escalated
Padhee directed officials to prepare authority-wise and ULB-wise details of delayed applications and take immediate steps to clear them.
She specifically instructed that files remaining pending for more than seven days should be escalated to higher authorities wherever required. The department also stressed the need to strengthen digital file tracking and fix responsibility at every level to ensure accountability.
The warning signals a tougher approach towards delays in processing building plan applications, an important service for citizens, property owners and developers.
SUJOG Platform to Get Stronger Monitoring
Emphasising the role of digital systems in improving public service delivery, Padhee called for strengthening the SUJOG platform through better monitoring mechanisms.
She asked officials to avoid repeated and unnecessary queries that could prolong the approval process. Applicants should instead receive clear information about the documents required, applicable procedures and expected timelines.
The Additional Chief Secretary also called for making guidance materials readily available on digital platforms, including explanatory videos, so that applicants can understand the process and avoid errors while submitting applications.
Technical Institutions May Support Process Improvement
Padhee encouraged the department to draw on the technical expertise available in government engineering colleges and polytechnics to improve the building plan approval mechanism.
She urged the SUJOG team and concerned authorities to identify and resolve systemic problems affecting the process, while ensuring that applicants receive transparent and hassle-free services.
Focus on Accountability and Citizen Convenience
The latest directions underline the state government’s push to make building plan approvals more efficient through time-bound disposal, digital monitoring and greater administrative accountability.
With officials asked to act on pending files and escalate applications delayed beyond seven days, the department aims to reduce procedural bottlenecks and improve the overall experience for citizens seeking building plan approvals.
