Leh: The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has invited public comments on a new framework for granting approvals and permissions for construction, re-construction, and alteration of residential and commercial buildings in rural areas.
The draft notification has been uploaded on the official websites of the UT Administration and district administrations of Leh and Kargil.
Stakeholders and residents have 21 days to submit their suggestions and observations to the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department before the rules are finalized.
The order, issued under the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, designates committees at different levels as competent authorities to grant permissions.
Residential building approvals within a panchayat will be handled by the Sarpanch, Village Level Worker, and Patwari of the concerned halqa.
Commercial establishments, government buildings, and other constructions will require approval from a committee chaired by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or Additional Deputy Commissioner, along with members including the Tehsildar, Town Planning Officer/AEE of Rural Engineering Wing, Block Development Officer, and local Sarpanch.
The committees can co-opt officials from other departments, fix fees for permissions, and levy penalties under the prescribed rules.
Fees collected will be credited to the panchayat fund of the concerned halqa.
The new system will not apply to areas under Tourism Development Authorities or other authorities empowered by law to issue building permissions.
Deputy Commissioners of Leh and Kargil will serve as appellate authorities for any challenges to committee decisions. Appeals must be filed within 30 days.
Officials said the initiative aims to streamline approvals, ensure transparency, and strengthen the role of panchayati raj institutions in rural development.
