Delayed takeover of Haryana govt buildings to attract extra cost

In a move aimed at curbing delays in the operationalisation of newly constructed government buildings, the Haryana Government has notified a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) laying down strict timelines for handing over completed buildings to client departments, failing which additional costs will be imposed.

The SOP, issued by the Public Works Department (Buildings & Roads), has been circulated by the Directorate General of Secondary Education to all District Education Officers (DEOs), the Director of SCERT and other officers concerned.

“As per the SOP, if the client department does not take over a building within one month of its completion, it will have to bear the additional costs arising from the delay. In cases where the client department begins using the building without formally taking it over, the Engineer-in-Charge shall report the matter demi-officially to the Engineer-in-Chief and the head of the client department. In such circumstances, the building shall be deemed to have been taken over after one month of use,” said an official.

The SOP further states that in the case of deposit works, the Executive Engineer concerned will keep the client department periodically informed about the progress of the project. As the work nears completion, the Executive Engineer will inform the nodal officer and the head of the client department in advance to facilitate timely takeover of the building. An inspection by the nodal officer must also be ensured to confirm satisfactory completion and to identify any shortcomings.

According to the official communiqué, the decision follows repeated instances of newly constructed government buildings remaining unused for months or even years due to procedural delays, poor coordination and disputes between executing agencies and client departments. The new framework aims to plug these gaps and ensure quicker utilisation of public infrastructure.

As per the prescribed procedure, a joint inspection by the civil and electrical wings of the PWD along with representatives of the client department must be conducted within 15 days of completion of the building. Any defects or shortcomings noticed during the inspection are required to be communicated to the PWD office concerned, which must ensure compliance within 15 days.

After rectification of defects, another joint inspection will be carried out within seven days, following which the building will be formally handed over along with warranty and guarantee documents of the installed items.

“However, if defects are still observed, the building shall be handed over/taken over by the Executing/Client Department with a provisional No Objection Certificate (NOC). The remaining compliance will be completed by the PWD within the next 15 days, with due recovery from the pending dues of the contractual agency, in accordance with the provisions of the contract. Suitable penalties may also be imposed on the agency as per the terms of the contract agreement,” the SOP states.