Introduction:
Delays in the regularization process under the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) continue to create obstacles for landowners and developers in Tamil Nadu. Despite significant efforts to expedite the approval process, the sheer volume of applications and government inefficiencies have led to a backlog that impacts property sales and causes frustration among applicants. This article explores the key facts surrounding the delays in DTCP regularization and offers insights into potential solutions.
1. Large Volume of Applications Stalling Progress
Over 7 lakh applications have been submitted for DTCP regularization, with another 2 lakh applications awaiting approval under the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). Despite these overwhelming numbers, many individuals remain on the sidelines, waiting for the opportunity to regularize their plots.
2. Significant Number of Pending Applications
Tens of thousands of people are eagerly awaiting their chance to apply for regularization. With numerous unregularized plots scattered across Tamil Nadu, the current system is struggling to keep pace with the demand, leaving many plots in legal limbo.
3. Limited Progress on Regularization Approvals
The stark reality is that fewer than 1 lakh plots have been successfully regularized under the DTCP. Of those, a significant proportion relates to layout promoters who possess more influence and resources, making it harder for individual plot owners to navigate the system.
4. Personal Interaction with Authorities
Many citizens report that their applications are only processed after personal interactions with government authorities. This suggests that bribes and other inducements may play a role in speeding up approvals, a practice that frustrates genuine applicants following proper procedures.
5. Insufficient DTCP Offices and Staff
Each DTCP office is responsible for managing around three districts, resulting in a staff shortage that slows down the approval process. The limited manpower cannot handle the overwhelming number of regularization applications, contributing to severe delays.
6. Arbitrary Deadlines and Penalty Fees
The Tamil Nadu government set six-month deadlines for applications, with penalty fees ranging from 10% to 50% for late submissions. However, these deadlines have not helped accelerate the approval process, and many applications continue to be delayed by months.
7. Impact on Property Sales and Personal Finance
The inability to regularize plots in a timely manner affects property owners looking to sell their land. This impacts their financial capacity to handle important life events such as marriages, home construction, and other major expenses.
8. Revenue Potential for DTCP and CMDA
The current backlog of applications represents potential future revenue in the billions of rupees for both the DTCP and CMDA. Streamlining the process would not only benefit applicants but also the government’s revenue stream.
9. More DTCP Offices and Staff Required
To clear the existing backlog and accommodate future applications, the government must open additional DTCP offices at the taluk or zonal levels and hire more staff. This would help reduce delays and improve the approval process for regularization applications.
10. Separate Approval Office for Efficiency
Establishing a dedicated office for approvals—similar to the Sub-Registrar’s Office used for property registrations—could simplify the regularization process. This office would focus solely on reviewing and approving DTCP regularization applications.
11. Making the Regularization Process Permanent
To avoid the recurring cycle of arbitrary deadlines and waiting periods, the regularization process should be made permanent. This change would allow property owners to apply whenever necessary, similar to how Patta transfers are managed in Tamil Nadu.
12. Linking Regularization with Property Registration
If the registration of non-approved plots were allowed only after regularization, it would create a strong incentive for plot owners to seek approval. This approach could significantly speed up the regularization process across Tamil Nadu.
13. Government’s Track Record on Large-Scale Approvals
The government’s performance in handling large-scale approval processes has not been promising. The urban land ceiling regularization, introduced in 1998, is still incomplete more than 20 years later, raising concerns about whether the DTCP regularization will face a similar fate.
Conclusion:
The delays in DTCP regularization are not just a bureaucratic hurdle; they have real financial and legal consequences for property owners. By addressing the issues of insufficient staff, arbitrary deadlines, and the backlog of applications, Tamil Nadu can unlock significant revenue and streamline the property regularization process. Implementing permanent solutions, such as additional DTCP offices and linking regularization with registration, would ease the process for all involved.
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