PANAJI
In a major relief to those involved in constructing structures, the State government has directed public utility departments like the PWD and electricity not to demand NOCs from local bodies before granting connections, when applicants have already obtained a construction licence or occupancy certificate.
A circular issued by Chief Secretary Parimal Rai said it had been brought to the notice of the government that departments like PWD, electricity, etc. which provide utility services like water, electricity and sewage connections insist on obtaining NOC from local bodies before granting connections despite the fact that the applicant has obtained necessary construction licence or occupancy certificate.
“Insisting upon NOCs from local bodies to provide such utility connections is not mandated under any prevailing law,” stated Rai.
“While the government is making all efforts to simplify procedures, the current practice of insisting on such NOCs goes against the spirit of ease of doing business and ease of living.”
Rai stated that the government has decided that the construction licence issued by the panchayat (or) municipal body concerned “shall be sufficient for the grant of temporary water and/or electricity connection/s, and no further NOC from the local bodies shall be insisted by these services providing departments/agencies.”
“The occupancy certificate issued by the Panchayat or Municipal body shall be sufficient for the grant of water, electricity, sewerage, internet, telephone connections etc and no further NOC from the local bodies shall be insisted by these services providing Department/ Agencies,” the circular adds.
