Mangaluru MLA Announces Major Amendment to Building Bylaw for Diploma Engineers
Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath has declared a significant victory for diploma civil engineers in Karnataka, following the state government's decision to amend the restrictive Model Building Bylaw (MBBL). The amendment reinstates the full working rights of experienced diploma engineers, marking the culmination of a prolonged and organized struggle.
Background of the Restrictive Bylaw
When the Karnataka state government initially implemented the Model Building Bylaw, it incorporated a 2017 notification within the eligibility and capability rule. This provision severely limited the scope of work for diploma holders in civil engineering. Specifically, it restricted them to supervising only plots measuring 100 square meters and buildings with a maximum height of 7.5 meters.
This limitation was subsequently adopted into the new building construction bylaw of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). The enforcement of this rule caused substantial inconvenience not only to the experienced professional engineers but also to the general public who relied on their expertise for various construction projects.
The Organized Protest and Appeals
In response to these restrictions, diploma civil engineers who have held licences for an impressive 20 to 35 years formally submitted their objections to the government. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, these professionals also approached MLA D Vedavyas Kamath and Assembly Speaker UT Khader to present their appeal and seek intervention.
MLA Kamath detailed his proactive efforts, stating, "As elected representatives, we worked continuously with senior government officials to address this critical issue. I raised the matter in the legislative assembly, brought it to the direct attention of Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, and maintained ongoing contact with Department Secretary Deepa Cholan. We held multiple meetings with officials to push for a resolution."
The Government's Amendment and Its Implications
The persistent advocacy has finally yielded results. The state government has officially amended the contentious 2017 notification. The revised rule now permits diploma engineers with more than ten years of professional experience to perform all types of construction work as they were authorized to do prior to the restrictions.
This amendment is celebrated as a major victory for the collective and organized struggle led by associations of diploma engineers from various districts across Karnataka. It acknowledges their extensive experience and reinstates their professional standing within the construction industry.
The resolution underscores the importance of dialogue between public representatives, government departments, and professional bodies in addressing regulatory challenges that impact skilled workforce and public service delivery.
