Ancient people used to say that men set out to build houses during the time of misfortune. However, no local government building laws were in place at the time when the saying became popular. With the advent of law and order, all kinds of construction became complicated in a way that tested patience. Now the state government has come up with a good decision that will bring a lot of relief to the common man. The Cabinet has decided to bring in an ordinance to amend the Kerala Municipality Act 1994 and Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 to protect the common man from the complications surrounding the prior permission required for construction. An important amendment to the building codes is that there will be no need to wait for the written permission and plan approval of the concerned local bodies for the construction of two-storey buildings up to 300 sq km. Hostels, orphanages, old age homes, seminaries and religious buildings up to an area of 200 sq km can be constructed in this way. Construction of buildings up to an area of 100 sq km required for commercial and small scale industries is also permitted. Building permits can be issued upon submission of a self-attested declaration from the owner and the empanelled licensee (Architect, engineer, building designer or town planner) is required to prepare a specific plan. Six more documents related to the plan have to be submitted to the local body. The condition is that the local body secretary should give the receipt of the application within five days. Once this is received, construction work can begin as per the submitted plan. Submission of incorrect information in the application will result in heavy fines. The application must be accompanied by a certificate stating that the submitted plan meets all the statutory requirements. The certificate must be issued jointly by the building owner and the authorized licensee who draws the plan. The local secretary should take a decision on the building application within 15 days. Currently, the time limit is 30 days.

Those who set off to make their own accommodation after a long struggle or with a loan, today face a lot of difficulties and obstacles for various types of permits from local bodies. There are many obstacles to the construction of buildings not only for residential but also for commercial or other small scale enterprises. Some even committed suicide due to delays and rejection of construction permits. It is also one of the most corrupt sectors in local bodies. The delay in getting the building permit is due to the preconceived notion that no inspection and permit will take place without handing over a bribe. If the construction can be started without prior permission, the wait for the permit will be avoided and the possibility of corruption related to it will be eliminated to a great extent.

The need of the hour is to make the service available to the people as easily as possible by reducing the complications. The nation has come a long way since the old license raj. It does not take weeks or months to get a building permit for residential and small buildings that are planned and designed carefully by the approved licensees. The required inspection can be done within a few days. No one usually dares to act illegally because there is a provision for higher fines if something illegal has taken place or if it is found to contain false information. The hallmark of good governance is to minimize government intervention in such areas. There are other departments that require similar reforms.

Legislation to replace the ordinance relating to building permits on the basis of self-certification will be possible only during the next cabinet as the Assembly is no longer likely to convene during the tenure of the present cabinet.

Some important decisions were taken at the last cabinet meeting, including setting up of a welfare fund for guaranteed workers, OBC reservation for the non-reserved Christian Nadar community and legalization of 3441 teachers working in aided schools. It may be alleged that this is aimed at attracting different sections of the people ahead of the elections, but these are appropriate decisions. Its beneficiaries may be relieved that the government has remembered them while the election draws near. Similarly, the decision to extend the expired PSC rank lists by six months will provide temporary relief to many youngsters who are dreaming of a government job. More than 250 rank lists have been extended by the Cabinet. It should not be forgotten that the efforts to regularize the temporary employees while ignoring the rank lists have on the one hand led to criticism and protests. The decision to regularize 114 contract employees of C-DIT has drawn heavy criticism.