The government has created 83 new posts in the Town Planning Department with the objective of modernisation of the department and reduction of workload of the employees.
Minister for Industries and Urban Affairs P.K. Kunhalikutty said the new posts would require an additional expenditure of Rs.2.33 crore. However, 52 of the posts had been created as supernumerary posts to reduce expenditure. They could be transferred to other departments or abolished against retirements.
Mr. Kunhalikutty said the workload in the department had increased with extension of building rules to all local self-government institutions. Earlier, the rules applied to only city corporations, municipalities, and 82 panchayats. Besides, master plans were to be prepared newly for 33 municipalities. Careful action was also needed against unauthorised constructions.
The newly created posts included those of town planners at various levels, draftsmen, and surveyors in the technical wing, and additional staff for the information and administration wings.
