CMDA, DTCP flayed for delay in processing online applications

As per this scheme, those who have unapproved layouts should apply online for regularisation to CMDA or DTCP as submission of layout frame work is mandatory. However, both departments received a tepid response for applications online and this prompted CMDA and DTCP to extend the period to March, 3 2018.

Official sources said that after a petition filed by Elephant G Rajendran in the Madras High Court on September, 9, 2016, that agricultural lands were converted into plots and layouts, the Court directed CMDA and DTCP not to provide approval for conversion of lands into plots. It also directed the officials to regularise unapproved plots and buildings which were sold before October 20, 2016 and stop granting new approval for layouts. 

Subsequently, the CMDA and DTCP launched a regularisation scheme for unapproved plots and issued a GO on May 4, 2017, directing buyers and promoters to register online on or before November 3. However, as there was a very poor response, the period was extended by a further three months.“Even after the extension of period for regularising unapproved plots, the CMDA has received mere 10,000 online applications, while DTCP obtained 50,000 applications, out of 14 lakh buildings in the state. However, officials are delaying the approval of plots, causing undue hardship to builders and buyers, allege sources. Not even one per cent of applications has been processed, claimed sources. 

S Ramaprabhu, secretary, Builder’s Association of India, Southern Centre, said, “We are at a loss to understand why the both CMDA and DTCP have failed to dispose of even a percentage of the applications received. This is a big setback for both promoters and buyers. Moreover, both the departments, after extension of this scheme, have announced waiver of Open Space Reservation (OSR) charge and this is a welcome one.”He pointed out that construction business has been crippled due to delay in disposing applications and officials should not be very rigid, he felt.

Similarly, M G Devasahayam, a former bureaucrat and social activist said, “As people have lost faith in the government machinery, they hesitate to apply for such schemes. Further, there has been a general perception among the people that they can get approval by bribing the concerned authority.” Even after Courts directed to inspect the construction violations in buildings in T Nagar, the violators are getting protection, he alleged. 

A senior planner of CMDA, speaking on conditions of anonymity, said, “As we have waived the OSR amount, we are expecting more number of applications in the coming days. “When asked about the delay in processing, the official said that as they were assessing the applications, scrutiny will take some time. “We will issue approval, after verifying documents from the applicants,” he promised.

The Registration department has come up with a reconciliation process to clear the huge pendency of documents, and to expedite the process of returning registered documents and realise the government revenue locked in these documents, it will be open from Wednesday for a period of three-months. Titled ‘Samadhan Scheme’, the Registration department will offer registered documents of the public, pending under section 47A of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, by paying two-thirds of the difference of stamp duty, between the duty already paid and the duty that has to be paid, as per the guideline value.

As per the section, if the registering officer, while registering any instrument of conveyance etc., has reason to believe that the market value of the property which is the subject matter of conveyance has not been truly set forth in the instrument, he may, after registering such instrument, refer the same to the Collector for determination of the market value of such property and the proper duty payable thereon. Documents which are pending as on June 8, 2017 for determination of market value under section 47A and those that are pending with the registering officers for referring under section 47A, are eligible for the scheme. The difference of stamp duty shall be paid in the Sub-Registrar’s office and the scheme will be in operation for a period of three months from January 3, 2018.