Builders frown as CMDA mulls extending amnesty scheme

Sources said the CMDA has received around 12,000 online applications, while DTCP received 55,000 applications. There still are 17.23 lakh applicants who have not applied for regularising their buildings. However, both agencies have processed only about 10 per cent of the applications from the total applications. The CMDA officials had held a meeting last week in this regard and submitted the reports to the higher officials. 

S Ramaprabhu, secretary, Southern Builders Association of India, said, “It is very unfortunate that both the agencies have not taken appropriate measures to process the pending applications. The agencies should bring in a new system instead of extending the date.” According to him, both agencies could rope in private agencies to get the process completed quickly.

“As many people have lost faith in the government system, they are reluctant 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,” said N Govindasamy, president of Tamil Nadu Construction Engineers and Contractors Association (TNCEA). 

A senior CMDA official, on condition of anonymity, said, “We are aware of the issue and are working to bring new system for owners of unapproved buildings. As this scheme will end by March 21, we will decide next course of action in April.”