To issue fire NOCs, BMC to pick scrutinising officers randomly for transparent governance

Earlier, applicants would submit applications at the ward level only and the divisional fire officer (DFO) would grant NOCs after inspecting the properties. However, from August 2 onwards, BMC has set up a centralised system, through which applications will be allotted randomly to an officer irrespective of the ward from which the officer hails. Civic officials said the new rule is aimed at ensuring that officers remain faceless.

For example, if an application is made from D ward (Malabar Hill), it is likely that an officer from G South (Worli) will be given charge of inspection.

“This process will bring in transparency and will enable equal distribution of workload, thus bringing in quicker results. For example, if a particular ward level officer is already assigned with work, this application could be sent to another ward level DFO. This will improve ease-of-doing business in the city as well,” Ravindra Ambulekar, chief fire officer (CFO) told The Indian Express on Thursday.

Civic officials also said this process will bring an end to favouritism in the process of certificate issuance as well. “Since nobody will know which officer is to be appointed, it will eliminate chances of favouritism, and the work will be carried out in a transparent manner,” said a civic official.

Meanwhile, in another notification issued by BMC’s estate department, it has been stated that henceforth Occupation Certificate (OC) and CC of newly constructed properties will be sent online from August 1 onwards.