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Mangaluru: Citizens have raised concerns over delays and difficulties in obtaining single-site layout approvals, stating that the process has become more complicated after the introduction of the paperless office system.

According to applicants, while approvals were earlier granted within 45 days, there is now no fixed timeline. They allege that the new system has increased the need to visit multiple offices and that instances of bribery have not reduced.

The E-Swathu software system, introduced to ensure faster and transparent services, is now facing criticism, with some citizens claiming it may be contributing to delays and procedural challenges.

The software includes a ‘Citizen Login’ feature, but users say it has several limitations. Earlier, applications submitted at the gram panchayat were processed by the secretary or PDO, who uploaded them, verified details and approved them with a digital signature, issuing the 11E plan.

Any issues in the application were resolved at the initial stage, avoiding delays. Now, though applications can be submitted online from home, applicants say they often have to visit cyber centres, pay fees, and still make repeated visits to the gram panchayat to correct errors such as improper document uploads.

After corrections, the application moves through multiple stages — from the secretary to the PDO, then to the gram panchayat president or administrator, and finally to the taluk panchayat executive officer.

Applicants say the addition of new approval levels has increased delays, especially in larger taluks with 40–50 gram panchayats, where officials find it difficult to process applications quickly.

In the earlier version of the system, officials had a fixed two-day window to review applications, after which files would automatically move to the next stage. Citizens say this feature is no longer functioning, leading to further delays.

Another concern raised is that applicants must first obtain approval from the Town Planning Department before applying through the E-Swathu system. This requires multiple visits to different departments.

Applicants said that for house construction, they must first secure plan approval, then apply to the panchayat for the 11E plan, and later return to the planning department again for technical approval.

Citizens have urged elected representatives to review the system and press the government to introduce clearer rules to resolve the issues.

They suggested that Town Planning approval should be made mandatory only for urban areas, while rural layout approvals should remain within the jurisdiction of gram panchayats under the Rural Development Department.

Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge said that several issues have already been addressed in Version 2 of the E-Swathu software. He added that remaining problems will be resolved at the earliest.