JS body proposes one-stop service for RAJUK approvals: Iqbal

The parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has proposed introducing a ‘one-stop service’ to streamline RAJUK services, including the approval of building plans.

Sk Mozibur Rahman Iqbal, Kishoreganj-5 lawmaker and a member of the parliamentary body, shared the information while briefing journalists following a meeting held at the Parliament Complex on Monday.

He said the secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works made the proposal, which received the consent of the minister and the RAJUK chairman.

Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee Md Rezaul Karim Badsha presided over the meeting.

MP Iqbal said people currently have to visit multiple agencies, including the Fire Service and Civil Defence and the Department of Environment (DoE), to obtain the necessary clearances for RAJUK plan approval.

Under the proposed one-stop system, he said, applicants will be able to submit applications at a single point and receive approval within a specified timeframe.

Iqbal said the JS body has also taken a firm position against unnecessary extensions to project deadlines and increases in costs by contractors involved in government development projects.

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He said experts are reviewing problems related to the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), which, he said, are preventing many land developers from implementing housing projects. He said two sets of regulations – the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) regulations and the urban housing regulations – are in the process of being given legal effect. 

The committee hopes the process will be completed before its next meeting, he added.

According to MP Iqbal, amendments to the regulations could increase the number of flats in housing projects, potentially creating greater scope for ordinary people to purchase flats at comparatively lower prices.

The meeting also emphasised the need to strike a balance between easing housing development and maintaining proper urban planning standards, particularly in the face of growing demand for residential accommodation.

The proposals will require further regulatory and administrative action before they can take effect.