Latest news with #OccupancyCertificate
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Power denied to 5,500 Karnataka units over OC rules
Occupancy Certificate Commencement Certificate KJ George We understand difficulties housing and industrial sectors face due to mandatory OC for electricity connections, seeking a practical solution –Energy Minister KJ George While neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh are rolling out red carpets to attract Karnataka-based industries, the Karnataka government has denied electricity connections to nearly 5,500 small-scale industries, citing the lack of(OC) and(CC). This move has triggered widespread concern and backlash from the state's industrial a new regulation effective April 4, the state has made it mandatory for industrial units and sheds similar to residential andcommercial properties—to obtain OC and CC before securing electricity connections. However, small and medium entrepreneurs argue that the rule is arbitrary and has disrupted operations across the to the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), several units despite completing internal wiring and paying necessary fees—have been denied power solely because they are situated on B Khata or revenue land and lack the required certificates. Many of these entrepreneurs have invested crores in setting up manufacturing units, poultry farms, and dairy operations, only to face critical delays due to power denial.'We fully understand the difficulties that housing and industrial sectors are facing due to the mandatory Occupancy Certificate requirement for electricity connections,' said Energy Minister, addressing growing unrest among industrialists. 'The Chief Minister has already directed the Chief Secretary to study the issue and submit a detailed report. This matter is being taken seriously and is under active consideration in the Cabinet.'George added that while the state is bound by a Supreme Court directive mandating OCs for utility connections, the government is working on a practical solution. 'We are exploring a by-law amendment to mitigate the impact. Once the Chief Secretary's report is submitted, the Cabinet will take a decision that balances legal compliance with public interest,' he government is citing a 2020 Supreme Court ruling (2.170/2020), which instructed authorities not to provide utilities such as water and electricity to buildings without sanctioned plans or those violating building norms. Based on this, the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) issued a directive on March 13, instructing all ESCOMs to deny power without industry bodies have pushed back, saying the government is misinterpreting the order. They question why Karnataka is enforcing the rule so stringently while other states continue to encourage industrial activity. Only 6% of industries in the state are located on approved KIADB or KSSIDC plots. The remaining 94% operate from B Khata or revenue lands, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Karnataka cabinet to take call on OC for power linking
BENGALURU: Energy Minister KJ George on Thursday said the state cabinet will take a decision on removing the mandate requiring obtaining Occupancy Certificate (OC) to get power connection. He said the government understands the challenges faced by industries and homes due to mandate. The issue has been deliberated with the chief secretaries and a report with possible solutions has been prepared to be placed before the cabinet for approval. He was speaking during an interaction with party workers at the KPCC head office. George said the government had mandated the need for an OC following Supreme Court directions. 'However, to address the challenges, a by-law amendment is being considered. The issue was recently discussed in a cabinet meeting,' he said. On de-linking old RR numbers incase of new rentals to avail the Gruha Jyothi scheme, George said the process is now available online and incase people are facing problems, they can approach the jurisdictional officials.
Hans India
27-05-2025
- General
- Hans India
Poor response to ‘Sarala Cauvery' scheme
Bengaluru: Bengaluru's ambitious 'Sarala Cauvery' scheme, launched to make Cauvery water connections more affordable, has seen poor public response with only 144 applications received so far. Introduced under the Cauvery Phase 5 project, the scheme allows residents to pay 20 per cent of the connection fee upfront and the rest in 12 monthly EMIs. However, many citizens are hesitant due to issues such as lack of occupancy certificates, high initial costs, and previous disputes with builders. Despite a target of 4 lakh connections, the initiative is struggling to gain traction. Under the Cauvery 5th phase scheme, 775 MLD of water has been brought and is being supplied to 110 villages and other areas. The amount of water supplied to the city has increased to 2,225 million litres from this scheme. The target was to provide 4 lakh water connections under the Cauvery 5th phase scheme. The water board is struggling to reach this target and the 'Sarala Cauvery' scheme was launched on May 9. However, this too is not getting the expected response from the people. Those who are unable to pay the full pro-rata fee have been given a two-month opportunity to get water connections under the 'Sarala Cauvery' scheme. They have been allowed to pay 20 per cent of the demand notice issued by the water board and the remaining 80 per cent of the fee has been paid through EMI for 12 months. This opportunity is not given to industrial and commercial buildings. So far, about 83,000 water connections have been sanctioned under the Cauvery Phase 5 scheme. Out of these, 59,273 connections have been given in 110 villages. However, only 144 applications have been submitted under the 'Sarala Cauvery' scheme. Out of these, 57 connections have been provided. Residents of the metropolis are not being provided with relevant documents including the Occupancy Certificate (OC) to get water connections. Some others are lamenting that they cannot afford the pro-rata fee. Thus, they are resorting to tanker water provided at a fixed rate by the water board itself. If you get a water connection, you have to pay a fee even if you don't use the water. Also, the water fee has also increased. They are hesitating to take advantage of the 'Sarala Cauvery' scheme because they have to spend money even to get the connection. Some apartment residents have already paid the water connection fee to the builders in the beginning. However, the builders have not paid that money to the Water Board. Therefore, the residents are hesitating to pay the money again. The water board has proposed to provide Cauvery connection to small houses and plot owners by paying a fee of Rs 1000. It is intended to provide connection to small houses with an area of 600 sq feet and less. Water board sources said that 6000-8000 such houses have been identified. The fee for residential buildings including apartments is at Rs 400 (per sq ft), non-residential, commercial buildings - Rs 600 (per sq ft) Many people have been delayed in submitting their applications due to inability to provide possession certificate and other documents. There is still time to apply under the Saral Cauvery scheme. It has been decided to provide water connection to 6000-8000 small houses for Rs 1000, said Dr Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman of the Water Board
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Bengaluru: OC mandatory for utility connections; BBMP to check documents for new connections
The city administration has begun implementing a Supreme Court direction from December, 2024 which states hat 'utilities such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation connections are to be provided only to buildings that have obtained an Occupancy Certificate/Completion Certificate from the respective local authority'. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) said that it has learnt that presently around 66,400 applications have been pending with Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) seeking new electricity connections in the BBMP area and to ensure that only those with valid documents get the connection, BBMP has announced a campaign to check property documents of these households. The civic body has said that it will contact through SMS and phone calls those who have applied for an electricity connection with BESCOM and yet to get a connection, to check for Khata approval, approval of building plans and status of the application (for (submitted/to be submitted) for the Occupancy Certificate/Completion Certificate. Chief Civic Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao has urged citizens to cooperate and furnish these documents to the civic body. He also appealed to property owners to apply for the Occupancy Certificate through a registered Architect/Engineer on the below portal:
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
City hospital under HYDRAA scanner for construction and operation breaches
Hyderabad: A surprise inspection at Dr Shankar's Hospital near RTC Crossroads uncovered at least five major construction and operational violations , drawing strong criticism from HYDRAA commissioner AV Ranganath. The commissioner visited the site on Friday after complaints were received via Praja Vaani, the public grievance portal. "How can a hospital have so many violations? A hospital demands greater caution, not blatant rule-breaking," he said during the visit. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad Key among the violations was the unauthorised construction of six floors and a cellar, despite approval for only four. The building also encroaches onto adjoining roads and is crammed between two narrow lanes — one just 10 feet wide and the other 15 — raising serious safety concerns in the residential area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo More troubling, Ranganath said, was that the hospital was operating without an Occupancy Certificate (OC), a mandatory requirement. It had also flouted fire safety norms. Ranganath pulled up hospital owner Dr Shankar, demanding all approvals and an explanation for how such a structure came up. He also questioned the role of civic officials in granting operational licenses without ensuring compliance. GHMC Secunderabad zonal chief planner Srinivas has been directed to file a detailed report. Further action will follow once all documentation is reviewed.
