Crisis emerges in obtaining building numbers through K-Smart portal
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Until a couple of years ago, applications were processed through IBPMS. When corporation introduced K-Smart portal, processing of applications switched over to IKEM, a software developed by Information Kerala Mission (IKM), govt's IT arm. "Building number cannot be obtained because completion details are not available through IBPMS software. Govt had earlier entrusted TCS to implement e-governance project of corporation.
Later, govt scrapped TCS and entrusted the duty to IKM. As corporation didn't pay the amount claimed by TCS, the firm didn't provide the data they entered during their tenure," said UDF councillor Henry Austin.
Engineering department does not have access to any data on a building that has received occupancy in IBPMS. "Due to govt's failure to pay, residents of Kochi are suffering. When this issue was brought to the attention of IKEM officials, they feigned ignorance. The response was that they have not yet received any database related to IBPMS software. Corporation officials too wash their hands of it. Public has to spend a large amount again to submit as a new file through K-Smart, in addition to the loss of time.
Due to govt's negligence, corruption and loss of important documents, this situation has occurred. If someone moves court, we don't know which documents corporation will submit related to building construction," Austin said.
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