The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) plans to change its rules by making it compulsory for builders to obtain a completion certificate (CC) before they can obtain a mutation certificate for new real estate developments. This action is in response to concerns raised by several residents across the city who have complained that some builders are allowed to apply for mutation certificates without obtaining a CC, which leaves the home buyers stranded in developments without the necessary water and drainage connections.
Once the builders complete the flats, they have to obtain a CC from the civic body’s buildings department. However, some promoters avoid this certificate as applying for a CC will lead to an inspection of the project by civic inspectors, which could reveal any infringements of building rules. With the implementation of this new rule, the KMC assessment department will not issue a mutation certificate before the buildings wing issues a CC.
The Trinamool Congress councillor, Rupak Ganguli, has recently raised alrams on this issue. Ganguli has alleged that a large number of flat owners in the neighbourhoods of Behala have been duped by some promoters who have fled without obtaining a CC, causing them problems in getting water and drainage connections.
Revenue has been collected by the KMC assessment wing by allowing the mutation of flats after the construction of housing complexes or apartment buildings. Consequently, the civic body requires a balance by obliging real estate developers to apply for a CC before allowing flat owners to apply for mutation certificates. Going forward, the assessment department will coordinate with the buildings department before authorising mutation certificates.
