THIRUVANATHAPURAM: From January 1, applications for building permits will be accepted in corporations and municipalities in the state through K Smart software. The current private software service will end this month. K Smart is a scheme to provide services of local bodies through online service. The inauguration is on January 1.

The government switched building applications to software mode after a six-year long dispute and legal battle. Since 2016, a software called Intelligent Building Plan Management System by Softech Company, Pune has been used. Acceptance of applications through this has been stopped. Applications received so far will be processed this month.

Private software is used in corporations and 84 municipalities except Kozhikode. Kozhikode Corporation uses its own developed 'Suvega' and panchayats use 'Sanketham' software. Applications are forwarded to officials after verification by the staff of the private software company. In 2017, when the All Kerala Building Designers Organization approached the High Court stating that this was illegal, the government had said that the private software was temporary. K Smart will be implemented in panchayats from April 1. K Smart software is developed by Information Kerala Mission (IKM).

Permit in minutes

Construction of low risk buildings within 3000 square feet and maximum height of 10 meters will get permit within minutes through KSmart. For buildings above 3000 square feet, permit will be issued after inspection by officials.

Inspection of building applications by private agency is illegal. The result was because of the fight against it.

-Kowdiar Harikumar,

President, All Kerala Building Designers Organization

One can get permit within minutes through K Smart. Preparations are complete.

-Dr Santhosh Babu

Chief Mission Director

I.K.M