SRA appoints firm to make software for slum revamp

Mumbai: Mumbaikars can now complete the process of revamping their slum areas without visiting the slum rehabilitation office through online procedure. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) has given the contract for the same to a Delhi-based agency ‘Net Creative Mind’ to develop the software. The officials are expecting to start the online procedure in the six months. Thus, all the paperwork regarding redevelopment of slums will be made online.

The online process will expedite slum redevelopment projects and acceptance of schemes without hassle, the officials believe. A scheme in this case is when a number of slums collectively approach the authority for redevelopment of their area. Around six forms are required to be submitted with NOCs (No Objection Certificate) to get a nod from the authority. “So far, all these processes were done manually, once everything is online, there won’t be any need to visit our office,” said a senior SRA official, in-charge of the project.

“Currently, the plan is at a primary stage, we are figuring out the features of the software. It may take time, nearly six months for the online process to become fully operational. Once it starts, citizens wouldn’t have to come to SRA office, redevelopment project requests will be accepted online,” added the official.

According to the officials, the project was tabled during the tenure of the former SRA chief Aseem Gupta, however, the tenders weren’t floated in 2015. In 2017, again the project was re-considered and finally an agency has been appointed to implement the project.

The SRA aims to digitise its style of working. In November last year, the authority had launched its new portal, allowing citizens to track their redevelopment project and submit complaints, if any.

“The portal has a new letter tracking feature which will enable the complainant to track their letter and check if it has reached the competent authority,” said the officer.