Architects and professional bodies in Uttar Pradesh have raised objections to a proposed empanelment process introduced by the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) for professionals involved in preparing building plans and maps. The move has triggered concerns among architects, with the Council of Architecture (COA) and the Uttar Pradesh Chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects warning that legal action could follow if the decision is not withdrawn.
The issue began after the LDA floated a proposal in April inviting architects to get empanelled with the authority. According to the development authority, the proposed measure is intended to improve the efficiency of building plan approvals and strengthen compliance with building regulations. However, architects have argued that a separate empanelment process is unnecessary for professionals who are already registered with the statutory Council of Architecture.
Professional bodies believe that the additional requirement could create another administrative layer in the building approval process. They have also raised concerns about the absence of clear guidelines and the possibility of different development authorities introducing separate requirements for architects.
The issue has wider implications because of the large number of architects practising across Uttar Pradesh. The state has more than 1.24 lakh registered architects, making any change to the existing framework a matter of concern for professionals across several cities.
The Council of Architecture has opposed the proposed amendments to the current working framework. The COA is the statutory body responsible for regulating the architectural profession in India. According to architects, professionals registered with the council have been practising and obtaining approvals from development authorities without any requirement for separate empanelment.
Dr KK Asthana, former chief architect of the Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam and a representative of eight North Indian states in the Council of Architecture through the Indian Institute of Architects, said that there is no need to introduce another layer of approval or registration. He pointed out that the background and credentials of practising architects can already be verified through existing professional registration mechanisms.
The Uttar Pradesh Chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects has also supported the opposition to the LDA’s decision. Its chairman, Sandeep Kumar Saraswat, said that if the authority has concerns regarding professional misconduct or violations of building rules, it should first consult stakeholders, registered associations and practising architects.
The architects’ body has urged the LDA to reconsider and withdraw the empanelment proposal. It has argued that any changes related to the scope, charges or services of architects should be made in accordance with guidelines issued by the Council of Architecture. The body has warned that it may seek legal remedies if the decision is not rolled back.
In Lucknow, around 2,000 architects are registered, of whom nearly 700 are active practitioners who regularly work on projects requiring approvals from the LDA. The proposed empanelment process could therefore directly affect a substantial number of professionals in the city.
Meanwhile, the Lucknow Development Authority has defended its decision. A senior LDA official stated that there have been instances where professional conduct regulations were not followed and violations of building bye-laws were not reported until later stages of development. According to the authority, an empanelment process could help improve accountability and ensure greater attention to compliance requirements.
The LDA has also pointed out that similar arrangements are being considered or adopted by government agencies and urban local bodies in other states. However, architects remain concerned that the proposed framework may create unnecessary restrictions for professionals already regulated by the Council of Architecture.
The matter is expected to generate further discussion between the state government, the LDA and professional bodies. The outcome could influence how development authorities regulate architects involved in building plan preparation and approvals across Uttar Pradesh.
