The Kozhikode Corporation on Friday witnessed some proud moments in its governance history with Minister for Local Administration K.T. Jaleel officially releasing the master plan for Kozhikode Urban Area, and launching the trial run of an automated intelligent software for residents to secure building permits.
Now, Kozhikode has become the first city in the State to have a comprehensive master plan for the next 20 years. The master plan, prepared for the period from 2015 to 2035, covers a geographical area of 177.08 sq km in Kozhikode corporation, Feroke and Ramanattukara municipalities, and Olavanna and Kadalundi grama panchayats.
The Minister said offices of chief town planners would be asked to prepare master plans for all the cities in the State. The expertise of engineers from government services, and reputed institutions would be utilised, he said.
The software, developed by Bengaluru based e-Governments Foundation, is being tested by the State government on a pilot basis in Kozhikode corporation. It is for the first time in the country that a fully automated system has been developed for a civic body. The trial run will be for two months, ” Regional Town Planner K.V. Abdul Malik said.
About 250 old files will be uploaded to the system to check defects and rectify errors. The software helps curb corruption, avert delays and totally eliminate bureaucratic hassles. It has a file tracking system and SMS updates for document verification and site examination. “An applicant sitting in any part of the world can effortlessly upload documents for getting a building permit in the city,” Mr. Jaleel said.
The Minister said the project would be implemented in other corporations and municipalities in a year, and all grama panchayats within four years. The State government had adopted new measures to curb corruption in municipal offices. Already, the engineering wing has been attached to civic bodies, empowering Mayors to take action against erring officials, he said. As many as 28 engineers have been placed under suspension for indulging in corrupt practices at municipal offices. Now, complaint boxes have been put up at offices to address the grievances of residents. The municipal head would open the box and read out suggestions and complaints in the presence of staff, the Minister said.
Mr. Jaleel also had a word of caution for architects who violate building rules and indulge in illegal activities. Amendments would be made in rules to debar such architects and their names, and pictures would be posted on official websites to warn the public, he said.