Lucknow: Architects across Uttar Pradesh are preparing to approach the state govt seeking what they describe as a level playing field after housing development authorities began initiating an empanelling process for professionals involved in preparing building plans and maps.With a lack of clear guidelines and what practitioners call prevailing confusion about the proposed framework, architects and their representative bodies are set to oppose the move, warning that it could disrupt established approval processes and trigger a wider dispute.The issue gained momentum after Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) in April floated a proposal inviting architects to get empanelled, arguing that the step would improve the efficiency of building plan approvals and strengthen compliance with building rules. However, professional bodies contend that empanelling architects who are already registered with Council of Architecture (COA) adds an unnecessary additional layer and risks creating arbitrary barriers to practice.Uttar Pradesh has more than 1.24 lakh registered architects, making the implications of any change statewide and potentially far-reaching. COA, a statutory body enacted by Parliament in the early 1970s under Ministry of Education, has written to the state govt opposing amendments to the existing working framework.Architect Dr KK Asthana, former chief architect of UPRNN representing eight North Indian States in CoA through Indian Institute of Architects said architects registered with COA have long been practising and securing approvals from development authorities without any separate empanelling requirement.“There is no need to add another layer to the process since background and credentials of a practising architect can be easily verified,” Asthana said.Uttar Pradesh Chapter of Indian Institute of Architects echoed the concern.Chairman Sandeep Kumar Saraswat said that if LDA has concerns about misconduct by some professionals, it should first consult stakeholders, registered associations and prominent architects. He urged LDA to roll back the empanelling decision, adding that the COA is the apex body governing the profession. “Otherwise, we would be forced to seek legal remedies,” he said.“Any ammendments regarding scope, charges and services of architects have to be according to the guidelines of Council of Architecture (COA). We would request LDA honour the guidelines laid by the COA,” he said.In Lucknow, around 2,000 architects are registered, with about 700 active practitioners who regularly deal with LDA.A senior LDA officer defended the move, citing past instances where professional conduct regulations were not followed and violations of building byelaws went unreported until late stages. The officer said empanelling would make compliance “taken seriously” and noted that similar systems are being adopted by agencies and urban local bodies in other states.
