MCHI - CREDAI in association with PEATA organized highly successful seminar amidst strong presence of 1000 industry members comprising of Developers, Architects, Town Planners, Engineers, Fire officials and MCGM officials to decode the recently launched 'Building Approval Manual" on January 7, 2016. The highlights of the Manual are: Approvals within 60 days, Number of Approvals cut down from 119 to 58, Occupation Certificate & Completion Certificate to be given in one go, Approval of plans submitted by developers within 21 days and Approval for construction of plinth to be given within 21 days. Indeed it is a giant leap for the real estate industry as it will speed up the procedure of acquiring approvals and bring about speed and transparency in the system.

Shri Ajoy Mehta, Commissioner of MCGM was the Chief Guest for the occasion who addressed the distinguished gathering on MCGM's efforts to simplify the procedures and do away with multi-level approvals for developers who are immensely contributing towards solving Mumbai's housing problems. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mehta said, "Real Estate industry contributes to the tune of Rs. 5000 crores to MCGM as development charges/ taxes. In no way we can under-estimate the role of industry." Presenting the macro view of the Ease of Doing Business, MCGM Commissioner added, "We have cut down on number of permissions from 119 to 58, and focus would be on relevant permissions only. There is a need to simplify things like with self-certification we want to ensure that trust is maintained. Now that there would be reduction in time and costs with all these initiatives, let me tell you that no law has been by-passed."

Shri Vimal Shah, Immediate Past President, MCHI - CREDAI said, "There is a paradigm shift in the way developers and their role has been perceived in the recent times by the Government. For the first time developers have been taken as clients by the Government officially, this has not happened in last sixty years. The change in perception and subsequently in execution would be a big game changer for MMR."

Opening his address with thundering applause from the audience, Shri Dharmesh Jain, President , MCHI - CREDAI said, "Around 15-20 years back, Mumbai ranked as number one destination for doing business but unfortunately over a period of time, this position has been lost to other cities. Now with the landmark changes brought through this New Simplified, Predictable, Time Bound & Standardized Building Approval Manual, I am sure Mumbai's glory would be retained. Substantial simplification in procedures and reduction in number of approvals would enable developers' fraternity in fulfilling the aim of building 11 lakh affordable housing in 5 years."

 Lauding the efforts of MCGM, Shri Manoj Kumar Dubal, President, PEATA (Practicing Engineers, Architects & Town Planners Association (India) said, "I appreciate the cooperation extended by MCGM on all times and they heartily welcomed all our suggestions made during various meetings with them. The efforts made by them are slated to bring in huge change in the landscape of MMR."
Municipal Commissioner also felicitated business team of MCGM and Team Members from developers' fraternity who contributed towards making Ease of Doing Business a Reality.

The workshop also witnessed panel discussions on Overview & Process behind Ease of Doing Business chaired by Shri Vimal Shah who incessantly worked toward providing vital inputs for this manual and Shri Domnic Romell, Coordinator, MCHI - CREDAI.

Indeed with Ease of Doing Business, owning a dream home would be faster & cheaper too!