When undertaking construction work, it is mandatory to obtain building plan approval from the relevant authority. In West Bengal, the Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS) enables builders, architects and engineers to register on the official portal and get approval through an online facility. The platform has been planned by the Development Corporation Authorities, namely WBSIDC, an undertaking of the MSME Department, Government of West Bengal, aimed at providing a single window system for various processes involved in the issuance of building permits.
OBPAS WB: Overview
The Online Building Plan Approval System (OBPAS) of West Bengal is managed by the Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs. The system enables the issuance of various permits for building construction. The online system at https://obpswbsidc.wb.gov.in/ streamlines the building approval process, ensuring transparency.
OBPAS WB: Significance
The OBPAS was a collaborative initiative by the Development Corporation Authorities, specifically WBSIDC, an undertaking of the MSME Department under the Government of West Bengal. The objective of the OBPAS WB was to provide a digital single window system (SWS) that facilitates various processes involved in issuing construction permits. The initiative aligns with the requirements of SBRAP & DBRAP 2020-21 for compliance under the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) to improve accountability, transparency and effectiveness in government administration.
OBPAS is a unique and state-wide, integrated ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ cloud-based online system, which digitises and automates approvals for building and site plans, encompassing a spectrum of purposes, such as industrial, residential, commercial, institutional and educational, to facilitate proper development in cities and towns across the state.
Citizens looking to undertake construction activities, whether new or modified, within areas under the jurisdiction of a development authority must obtain prior written permission. This permission can be obtained through the OBPAS, which enables architects and licensed engineers, empanelled under the respective development authority, to submit applications for building and layout permissions online, along with occupancy certificates. The OBPAS WB system streamlines the processes and includes features, such as electronic submission of applications, automated scrutiny of architectural drawings and online payment systems to provide quick, automated approvals. Applicants are notified about their application status online. It establishes a transparent and accountable approach to construction-related administrative procedures in West Bengal.
OBPAS WB: Benefits for citizens and authorities
Benefits for citizens
- Simplified processes: The OBPAS WB system automates and streamlines the building plan approval process, minimising the complexities of manual methods. This helps citizens to seek necessary approvals.
- Transparency: The online system promotes transparency as it helps citizens get real-time updates on their application status.
- Saves time: The OBPAS portal helps applicants get approvals quickly, eliminating the time involved in manual documentation and other processes.
- Easy accessibility: Citizens can access the OBPAS WB portal from any location and submit applications and check status updates online. Thus, it helps reach a wider audience and benefits the citizens.
- Cost savings: The OBPAS WB portal replaces the physical documentation and manual submission processesand saves costs of printing, travel and courier services. Thus, an efficient process is established for citizens’ benefit.
Benefits for authorities
- Reduced administrative burden: The automated OBPAS WB system reduces administrative tasks and manual efforts for government officials. Processes, such as document verification and approvals, are automated, which enables officials to focus on other strategic aspects of their roles.
- Efficient workflow: The system digitises the workflow for the This allows them to manage and process building proposals effectively, resulting in enhanced efficiency of the administrative process.
- Data accuracy: The OBPAS WB system ensures data accuracy by reducing manual errors. This ensures that the details are reliable and there is no scope for discrepancies in the approval process.
- Real-time monitoring: The system allows real-time monitoring of the entire building plan approval process, which promotes proactive management, timely interventions and better coordination among the various departments.
- Compliance and reporting: The OBPAS WB system helps the authority in compliance with the regulatory frameworks since building proposals align with legal and safety standards. It enables authorities to generate accurate and timely reports, enabling compliance monitoring.
OBPAS WB: Services
- Application for building plan sanction – submission of building construction proposals (new), including resubmissions for corrected drawings and/or missing documents for construction permits
- Building permit renewal and revalidation
- Alteration and extension of buildings
- Electronic intimation of the commencement of construction work
- Electronic intimation of plinth-level construction
- Submission of online common completion request form cum occupancy certificate application (full/partial/block) with online payment
- Online issuance of digitally signed building permits, completion certificates for construction up to plinth level and occupancy certificates (full/partial/block)
- Third-party verification
- Online registration, initiating application, tracking of search and application
OBPAS WB: Features
- Online application: The portal allows users to submit online applications and upload relevant documents
- Streamlined processes: Applicants can receive NOC from all departments through a common application form
- Secure transactions: The online system ensures all transactions and information on the OBPAS WB are secure
- Three-step process: Through the portal, one can obtain permissions through three steps – applying, uploading and paying
- User-friendly portal: Users can access various services from any location, anytime
OBPAS WB: Consultant services
- Empanelled consultants’ registration and renewal
- Intimation of username and password validity expiry
- Intimation of license validity expiry
- Submission/resubmission of application
- Access to all the services provided to the citizens
OBPAS WB: Documents required
- Deed copy (original scanned copy)
- Deed plan copy (original scanned copy)
- Possession certificate (original scanned copy)
- Registered power of attorney (if applicable, notarised original scanned copy)
- Assessment book copy (for municipal area buildings)
- Latest paid tax receipt/tax clearance certificate (original scanned copy)
- Clearance from Infra Division for Industrial Park under WBSIDCL or Company Secretary for SAIP/JVC or govt of West Bengal for Calcutta Leather Cluster
- Clearance from WBPCB (Consent to Establish – CTE, original scanned copy)
- Fire Safety Recommendation (FSR) with authenticated drawing by WBF&ES (original scanned copy)
- Architectural plan (DWG & PDF)
- FAR calculation sheet signed by empanelled LBS/LBA (original scanned copy)
- Structural drawing (DWG & PDF)
- Structural design calculation sheet signed by an empanelled structural engineer
- Structural stability certification sheet signed by an empanelled structural engineer
- General undertaking (notarised original scanned copy)
- Indemnity bond (notarised original scanned copy)
- Self-declaration of existing structure on the plot, if any, (notarised original scanned copy)
- Self-declaration regarding Boundary Demarcation (notarised original scanned copy)
OBPAS WB: Citizen registration online process
- Visit the official OBPAS WB portal at https://obpswbsidc.wb.gov.in/.
- Select ‘Citizen Registration Form’.
- Complete the form with relevant details
- Create a strong password and click on submit
OBPAS WB: How to log in?
- Visit the official OBPAS WB portal at https://obpswbsidc.wb.gov.in/.
- New users must register on the portal by filling out and submitting the citizen registration form.
- Enter username and password.
- Click on ‘Log in now’.
OBPAS WB: How to check application status?
- Visit the official OBPAS WB portal at https://obpswbsidc.wb.gov.in/.
- Click on ‘Application Status’.
- Provide the mobile number and file number in the given fields.
- Click on ‘Submit’ to view the status.
OBPAS WB: Contact information
For any technical assistance, users can contact the helpdesk on all government working days from 11 AM to 6 PM at:
Phone: 033 2334 0025 / 033 2359 0100
Email: helpdesk.sws.udma@wb.gov.in
Housing.com News Viewpoint
The Online Building Plan Approval System in West Bengal provides an online facility to apply for building permits and access related services. This eliminates the need to visit the local authority’s office to complete the process. Make sure that you have all the relevant documents. Users can access the user manual on the portal to understand the entire application process.
FAQs
How to register a complaint on OBPAS WB?
Citizens can log in to the OBPAS portal and click on the relevant link to submit their grievances online.
What is the full form of OBPAS?
The full form of OBPAS is the Online Building Plan Approval System.
What documents are required for building plan approval in West Bengal?
The documents required for building plan approval in West Bengal include deed copies of the property, architectural plans and possession certificates.
Can consultants access OBPAS WB services?
Consultants can register on the OBPAS WB portal and avail of the various services, which include timely reminders for passwords, license renewals and citizen services.
How to check the status of building plan approval?
Click on ‘Application Status’. Provide the required details to view the status.
Who is eligible to apply for OBPAS?
All municipal corporations must approve their building plans through the OBPAS system. Other urban local bodies (ULBs) can use the online facility.
How to pay fees for building plan approval?
Payment can be done through credit card, debit card, net banking and UPI.
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