PANJIM: Minister for Town and Country Planning (TCP) Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday sought list of all the files pending for various approvals with the department as well as before the Planning and Development Authorities (PDAs).
Pending amendment to the Act, Rane has directed the department and PDAs to ensure that no files are kept pending for more than 21 days from the date of receipt of application.
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Rane, who held a meeting with the Chief Town Planners and other officials of TCP, has also hinted at a major reshuffle in the department in order to bring efficiency. The officers, who have completed three or more years in the department, would be reshuffled.
Rane said that clear directions for implementation of the decisions taken by the board, regardless of when the amendment is executed, are been issued.
“My office will begin receiving files from all divisions starting today. Similarly, I have directed the Member Secretary – PDA to clear files on fast track. No files will be kept pending beyond 21 days,” he said.
Rane said that very day, the progress in the department will be evaluated and every 21st day will hold a meeting to discuss the status of the files.
The Minister said that restructuring in the department is required to improve efficiency among officials. “My vision is to make TCP one of the most efficient departments in the state,” he said.
Sources said that the meeting was called to direct implementation of Board decision on priority.
“The major focus was on pending approvals. The Minister has sought details of files that are pending for approvals with department and PDAs,” sources said.
In a first Board meeting chaired by Rane on Monday, it was decided to amend the TCP act, to add a provision for deemed approval of licence of approvals, if the authority does not communicate it within 21 working days from the date of receipt of application pertaining to land up to 2,000 sq mts and 45 days for above 2,000 sq mts.
Sources said that directions are also issued to fast track online file tracking system so that the citizens will be able to track the process of their files sitting at home.
Sources said that the Minister has also asked details on manpower in each of TCP offices to undertake necessary reshuffle.
