HUBBALLI: After bringing the Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA) to protect interest of consumers, the Union government is mulling reforms in procedures for giving approvals to building construction and layout development, Union Minister for Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu said on Saturday.

Inaugurating a two-day convention of Karnataka chapter of Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Naidu said ‘ease of approval’ is the next goal of the government. “Onus would be on the state governments and urban local bodies to ensure a hassle-free system. The changes would bring more transparency and accountability in the system,” he added.

On rules to be framed under RERA, the minister said real estate sector plays a catalytic role in fulfilling the demand for housing and infrastructure in the country. “Though this sector has grown significantly in recent years, it has been largely unregulated, calling for more professionalism. The Act (RERA) passed by Parliament has not only made consumer the king, but brought in much-needed regulation and transparency,” he said.

Urban Development Minister Roshan Baig appealed to CREDAI members to come with suggestions on bringing changes in project approval process, single window clearances, grievances redressal mechanism, ranking of projects, controlling measures on violations and other issues related to real estate development and construction.

After a discussion on their suggestions, the state would frame rules under the RERA, he said.

[Source:-The New Indian Express]