CMDA looks to cut red tape in processing applications

Chennai: Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has issued a stern directive to its officials to ensure speedy disposal of applications and to eliminate red tapism across all levels of administration.The order comes in the backdrop of the instructions issued by chief minister C Joseph Vijay during his swearing-in ceremony on May 10, where he stressed clean, transparent and citizen-centric governanceIn a circular dated May 12, 2026, CMDA principal secretary and member secretary G Prakash, instructed officials to strictly adhere to prescribed timelines while processing applications related to planning permissions, completion certificates, layouts, reclassification and other approvals.The circular stated that all applications must be processed "at the earliest without any delay" and warned officials against allowing files to remain pending beyond stipulated timelines without valid reasons being recorded.In cases involving technical difficulties, legal complications, policy issues or inter-departmental coordination problems, officials have been directed to present the status of such files during weekly Monday review meetings and obtain directions for early disposal.CMDA also instructed officers to monitor pending files on a day-to-day basis and maintain integrity, impartiality and transparency in the discharge of duties. Officials were specifically warned against malpractice, favouritism and misuse of office. "There shall be no red tapism at any level in the department," the circular emphasised, adding that any negligence or deviation from the instructions would invite serious disciplinary action under conduct rules."This is the most important step by CMDA & govt, and it will be a big boost to both the industry and public on ease of doing business with utmost importance to transparency," said S Sridharan, executive committee member Credai National.