Call for regulation: Karnataka aims to revolutionise civil engineering recognition and practice

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Civil Engineering plays a crucial role in shaping various aspects of society, encompassing housing, infrastructure, water resources, railways, ports, agriculture, industry, highways, roads, water supply, sanitation, and environmental considerations.

Despite being the oldest and most extensive profession essential for human well-being, Civil Engineering in India lacks formal recognition and regulatory measures through an act, setting it apart from professions like medicine, law, architecture, and accountancy.

The economic impact of Civil Engineering on India is significant, with the construction and real estate sectors contributing nearly 24% to the GDP.

The country's construction industry ranks third globally, with 50% of the planned outlay in every Central Government budget dedicated to construction.

However, the Karnataka Professional Civil Engineers Steering Consortium claims that the absence of regulation has allowed unqualified individuals to enter the profession, resulting in subpar infrastructure and buildings that negatively impact lower and middleincome groups.

This situation has demoralised professional Civil Engineers, prompting some to shift to other industries and causing a shortage of competent professionals.

Recognising the pressing need for regulation, the KPCEA SC has rallied nearly 5 lakh Civil Engineers in Karnataka. H K Patil, the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, stressed the importance of recognising Civil Engineering as a regulated profession.

He proposed the Karnataka Professional Civil Engineers Act to address these concerns, aiming to provide legal recognition and a structured framework for the profession.

H K Patil believes that enacting this law will eradicate the nexus between contractors and government officials, allowing Civil Engineers to work without undue pressure and deliver high-quality projects on time.

The law is expected to facilitate improved project planning, preventing delays and excessive spending.

In an interactive session about the same on January 31, the plan for the act was further solidified to support the Karnataka Professional Civil Engineers Act. H K Patil served as the chief guest, underscoring the significance of legal recognition for Civil Engineers.

The enactment of this act will revolutionise the engineering sector, providing a structured framework for ethical practices and ensuring the timely and efficient completion of projects.