NMC Shifts to Digital-Only Process for Building Plan Approvals
The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has taken a significant step towards streamlining its building plan approval process by shifting entirely to an online platform in 2025. Previously, NMC allowed developers and builders to submit building plan proposals both online and offline. However, with the latest decision, all submissions and approvals will be processed through an online system, eliminating the offline procedure entirely. This shift aims to enhance transparency, reduce delays, and improve the overall efficiency of the approval process, ensuring that the system is accessible to all developers without any barriers.
The decision to phase out offline submissions comes after years of testing and implementing an online platform. Initially, the NMC used the AutoDCR software to facilitate online submission and approval of building plans. This software had been in use for several years, but it encountered technical issues that occasionally prevented smooth submissions. Consequently, builders were allowed to submit their plans offline, but only with explicit permission from the Municipal Commissioner. This process, though convenient in some cases, introduced inefficiencies, making it difficult to track and manage approvals in real-time.
The introduction of the unified Development Control & Promotion Regulations (UDCPR) by the state government further complicated matters, as it brought in a new set of regulations and software for the entire state of Maharashtra. In response to these changes, NMC adopted a new software solution, the BPMS, which is more reliable and compatible with the latest state-level guidelines. The BPMS software has proven to be effective in addressing previous technical issues, and its implementation has been smooth since its adoption.
According to an NMC official, developers had faced challenges when submitting building plans online due to technical glitches in the earlier software. While the offline submission process was an option, it was only granted with the approval of the Municipal Commissioner, and these exceptions were not ideal for ensuring a streamlined and transparent process. Now, with the BPMS system in place, NMC has decided to make the online submission process mandatory for all developers.
The decision to shift to an entirely online submission process is a clear indication of the NMC’s commitment to improving governance and ensuring greater transparency in its operations. By eliminating offline submissions, the corporation will have a clearer, more accountable record of all applications, which can be easily tracked and monitored. This shift is also in line with the larger push for digitization and e-governance initiatives across the state and the country. It will ensure that all stakeholders—builders, developers, and the municipal corporation—are on the same page and that the process remains efficient and free from delays.
Moreover, the implementation of the online approval system is expected to reduce corruption and red tape, as all proposals will be reviewed and approved through a standardized digital platform. This will help reduce human intervention in the process, minimizing the potential for bias and errors. It will also allow for faster processing times, as developers will no longer have to wait for manual approvals. The digital system will automatically flag any inconsistencies or issues with the proposals, ensuring that only those that meet the necessary requirements move forward.
The online submission process will be accessible to all developers and builders, regardless of their size or location, making it easier for those in the construction industry to comply with the regulations set by NMC. It will also be beneficial for small and medium-sized developers who might not have had the resources or technical knowledge to navigate the older systems. The move is expected to bring about a significant reduction in the time it takes to get approvals, which will, in turn, accelerate construction projects and contribute to the faster development of Nashik.