Bribes for building permits add to cost of construction

Pratiksha Ramkumar in Times India reported on March 15, 2013 that when Architects or contractors took up projects, they usually advised clients to keep about Rs. One lakh handy just to pay bribes. Government staff demands bribes during site inspections to process approvals and permits. Building Blocks.Online application forms and software for automatic approval have reduced waiting time and delays. Step 1 planning permission and building approval a) Apply to corporation’s town planning department and zonal executive engineer after architect gives you basic plan. BEFORE you would have invited the engineer to visit the site. Engineer would suggest changes, visit, issue permit. Required a bribe. NOW Ask licensed surveyor to certify drawing and upload it on corporation website. Software approves plan in a week and sends you an E – mail. b) Engineer studies all documents; licensed surveyor and executive engineer visit site and give approval BRIBE RS.10, 000 to RS. 20,000. Step 2 Property tax Assessment. A) Ask tax assessor to inspect plot and neighborhood. BRIBE: Rs 1,000 – Rs. 2,000 b) Revenue office issues property tax certificate with tax amount. BRIBE Rs. 10,000 – RS.20, 000. Step 3 - Electricity connection. a) Get an application form free of cost from TNEB b) Submit form with building plan approval, other documents. c) Engineer visits house to decide where to fix the electricity meter. BRIBE: Rs. 2,000 – RS.3, 000 d) Authorized engineer does wiring and issues completion certificate. BRIBE: Rs. 10,000 e) Assistant executive engineer inspects connection give final nod. BRIBE: Rs. 10,000 –RS.20, 000 Step 4 - Water connection. a) Get application form free of cost from local depot or submit online application with all documents. b) Get drawings showing plumbing work and connections certified by licensed plumber or qualified technician? BRIBE: Rs. 5,000 c) Pay water taxes and charges for the building and obtain a challan d) If property tax assessment is not done, metro water executive engineer will visit site and give order. BRIBE: RS. 5,000 e) Metro water officials and plumber connect pipe lines to main sewers and water lines. BRIBE: Rs. 10,000 –RS. 20,000. What a transparent and non-discriminatory approach in administration? God bless this country and its citizens.