OBPAS Implementation Guide

Section 1: Executive Summary

Overview of the Product

The computerised and automatic building permission system offered under the National Urban Stack(NUS) facilitates citizens who seek permission for construction of a building within any Urban Local Body with a transparent, speedy, hassle-free and user-friendly procedure. Online Building Permission System (OBPS) is one of the components of a smart city that has the capability of providing a single window for acquiring building permits, NOCs, and clearances from multiple agencies or departments. Keeping in mind the benefits associated with the product offered, the proposed system is about to be implemented in 500+ ULBs across the country in 15 states and Union Territories. (For details on product features refer to Section-2).

Implementation Methodology for OBPS

For the offered product, the implementation process can be divided into six major distinctive stages. Each stage has predefined entry and exit criteria, roles & responsibilities to assure objective monitoring and decision making for the overall success of the engagement. The whole implementation lifecycle is typical of 35-40 weeks keeping in mind the entry, and exit criteria defined at the beginning and end of each stage is met within the recommended time.

Stage Zero-program setup and onboarding is a pre-requisite for the initiative to kick-off and requires setup of the governance model, implementation Team and decision regarding other significant elements of the initiative like funding and procurement process.

Stage One of the initiative requires scoping of the initiative and deciding on the priorities for implementation by the state implementation Team.

In stage three, the state Team will work upon identifying and finding solutions to the significant gaps in the product offered w.r.t. to the needs of the state.

Configuration and customisation of the product offered in the primary objective of stage four. This involves working on various aspects of state-specific needs and incorporating them into the product suite offered.

In stage four and five, post doing UAT and including all the necessary feedback on the product, the roll-out of the product is done at the state level (Go Live) from a couple of ULBs to pan state coverage. (For details on the implementation plan refer to Section-3).

Manpower Requirement For Implementation

The whole implementation cycle requires a Team of individuals with specific skill sets to work very closely. The state implementation unit comprises individuals with Program management, business analysis, implementation engineering, software engineering, architecture (DCR Domain) and capacity building skills. Depending upon the phases of implementing the initiative is in, the amount of effort by each participant in the smaller units will vary. (For details on resource sizing and requirements refer to Section-5)

Budgetary Requirement For Implementation

Based on close deliberations with various stakeholders, it is recommended that the budgetary allocation for the implementation of the initiative should be around 3 crores to 3.8 crores1 for statewide implementation and Operation and Maintenance Cost (per Year )for the initiative will be approximately 1.35 crores to 2.0 crores2. The budget allocated needs to be utilised for human resources requirements primarily. The budgetary allocation is recommended as per the NICSI standards published on https://www.nicsi.com/ (Check Annexure 1 for NICSI standard rates). The estimation of the budget will increase or decrease based on the rates applicable to the resources required. (For details on budgetary allocation guidelines refer to Section 5).

Critical Success Factors For Implementation

1 Assuming NICSI standard rate cards and 20% range on the actual estimated cost

2 Assuming NICSI standard rate cards and 20% range on the actual estimated cost.

Section 2: Online Building Permission System(OBPS) Implementation Methodology

This section provides an overview of the methodology for the state-wide implementation of OBPS. Implementation of OBPS is distributed across six distinct stages. Each stage has predefined entry and exit criteria, roles & responsibilities to assure objective monitoring and decision making for the overall success of the engagement. Details of each stage are defined in this section.

OBPS implementation program is expected to be completed within approximately 37 weeks with the resource deployment by the State and System Integrator(SI) Team (as defined below). However, it is critical that activities and exit criteria set for each stage are achieved to adhere to this timeline.

Six Stages of Implementation

Stage 0 - Program Setup/Onboarding

Set of initial critical activities that are undertaken on receiving a Letter of Enrollment from the state. Successful completion of these activities assures that the program is started with crucial personnel, System Integrator(SI) Teams and funds.

Stage 1 - Program Kick-Off

This stage envisages the in-person interaction of crucial State officials and implementation System Integrator(SI) Teams to kick-start the program. This stage may require multiple interactions/meetings with different interest groups. The principal objective of these interactions is to identify Pilot ULBs, create an active collaboration & Governance approach and agree on a high-level timeline for the engagement.

Stage 2 - Solution Design

During the Solution design stage key state officials and members, who are subject matter experts, are expected to share state by-laws and also help interpret these laws for the System Integrator(SI) Team. This stage baselines the State-specific product features in the Product Configuration report.

Stage 3 - Configuration & Customization

Configuration & customisation stage, spread across 12 weeks, envisages configuration of the product as per the baselined Product Configuration report and identified state-specific customisations. Active involvement of domain experts from the state Team is required in this stage to validate the implementation of state by-laws.

Stage 4 - UAT & Go Live

During this stage, the active involvement of Pilot ULB officials is expected for thorough testing of the configured product. Training of the key ULB officials will also be undertaken during this stage, along with the promotion of the solution. The establishment of the State support Team and required processes are initiated in this stage.

Stage 5 – Rollout

On successful rollout in the Pilot ULBs, the solution will be rolled out to the rest of the ULBs in batches. Guidance and support from the State Team will be required to create the rollout plans and assure the necessary infrastructure for training and deployment is available at each ULB.

Note: The rollout phase needs to be detailed out for iterative activities of onboarding ULBs in batches.

Section 3: Roles and Responsibilities – OBPS Cell, NUS Team & System Integrator(SI)Team

This section outlines the activities involved in each stage of the implementation along with the responsibility and accountability of critical stakeholders - State, NUS Team and Implementation Team onboard.

OBPS Cell: OBPS Cell is the government-appointed body chaired by the Principal Secretary/Secretary, Urban Development Department with members from the Town and Country Planning Organization, Urban Development Department etc.

NUS Team: NUS Team is the National Program Management Unit established in Delhi which will provide all necessary support to the state concerning the implementation, Program Designing etc.

System Integrator (SI)Team: SI Team will be responsible for the rollout of the initiative in the state, providing all end to end support to the state w.r.t. The implementation of the products in the ULBs.

Execute - One who owns the accountability to complete the activity

Consult - One who may initiate, guide and in the process, handhold the execution of the activity

Section 4- Resource, effort estimation and Budget Requirements for the Program

Implementation effort and Budget requirements of the program(Stage 1 to Stage 5)

Implementation Budget requirements of the program

The summary of the budgeting is as per the NICSI rates(Please refer to annexure-1) and assuming a 20% range.

Note: Overall Budget Summary (in INR) is as per NICSI rates

Resource requirements for the OBPS cell required to be formed by the state

Note: Designation mentioned above are as per designations known driving OBPS implementation at the state level as explained below

Project Sponsor: Is the Head of the OBPS Cell who will drive the project from the State Side

Plan Process Expert: The two resources that will provide the BPA application process and workflow. Validate the UAT in compliance with the expected outcome.

Development Control Rules Experts: they should have the domain skills on the drawings and plan along with the DCR rules of the State. They would provide the templatization of the DCR Rules, validate the same once configured in the Application and approve.

Nodal Officer: He would play the organise role who will provide all logistics support and scheduling of activities related to the project, Rollout and training of both Engineers and ULB officials across the State.

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