Introduction
The Building Safety Certificate (BSC) is a crucial compliance document certifying that a building—public, semi-public, or institutional—has been constructed and maintained as per safety standards and structural stability norms. In the State of Rajasthan, the Public Works Department (PWD) is the designated authority to issue Building Safety Certificates in accordance with prescribed procedures and government notifications.
The certificate ensures that the building is safe for occupancy, adheres to the National Building Code (NBC), 2016, and complies with all relevant state laws and structural safety regulations.
Legal Background
The procedure for issuing Building Safety Certificates was initially guided by the PWD Circular No. 139 dated 9.11.2017. This was later amended through the Office Order No. CE&AS/TA-I/D&T/2017/ dated April 2018, issued by the Government of Rajasthan, Public Works Department, as an Addendum to the Circular on Building Safety Certificates.
The order came into immediate effect with the approval of the Administrative Department, PWD, vide ID No. 7428/M/PWD/18 dated 12-04-2018.
Key Amendments as per Office Order (April 2018)
The addendum introduced two major changes:
Applicability
The order applies to all public and semi-public buildings in Rajasthan that are either privately owned or constructed for public use, including:
Such buildings must obtain a valid Building Safety Certificate from PWD Rajasthan before being used for occupancy or operation.
Validity and Renewal
Penalty for Non-Compliance
Failure to obtain or renew the Building Safety Certificate can lead to:
Liability for any loss of life or property due to structural negligence.