LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) administration on Monday sought to simplify the procedure for issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for transfer of properties.

The direction was issued to all directorates dealing with housing schemes developed by the LDA in view of increasing public complaints against delay in transfer of properties to buyers mainly owing to NOCs.

“It is the need of the hour to simplify various standard operating procedures pertaining to issuance of NOCs, transfer of properties (houses, plots, commercial plazas) falling within territorial jurisdiction of the LDA. Similarly, the procedure regarding approval of building plans and other daily affairs of the LDA should also be simplified and the official concerned must submit viable proposals with recommendations within the next two days,” LDA Director General Amna Imran Khan said this in a meeting held here to review the functioning of the one-window cell.

The policy to declare NOCs mandatory for property transfer had been introduced about four years ago in a bid to stop fraudulent transactions. Under the policy, the LDA started issuing NOCs for one and three years after receiving the processing charges from those desiring to sell their properties. The procedure to get an NOC appeared to be difficult as it involved several checks and filters that led to delay in transfers.

The DG cautioned that stern disciplinary action would be taken against the officials causing delays in the disposal of public applications and sought for elimination of involvement of irrelevant elements in official matters.

She said she would personally monitor the performance of the cell and all other relevant directorates in order to ensure issuance of NOCs for the sale of properties, approval of building plans and timely settlement of other property-related issues.

Meanwhile, for early disposal of rainwater during the ongoing monsoon, LDA Chief Engineer Mazhar Hussain Khan on Monday disallowed casual leaves to the staff during the next two months.

In a meeting, he also assigned duties to directors, deputy directors, assistant directors and sub-engineers and advised them to work in close liaison with the Water and Sanitation Agency.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2018