Haryana Streamlines Fire Safety Certification with Technology-Driven Policy, Strengthens Public Safety

Chandigarh, December 15: In a significant move to enhance public safety and simplify governance, the Haryana government has notified comprehensive new guidelines for the issuance and renewal of Fire Safety Certificates (FSC). Framed under the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, the technology-driven policy introduces a transparent, time-bound and efficient system, setting a new benchmark in fire safety administration. The policy was formally notified on December 9, 2025.

Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Sumita Misra said the new system aims to ensure faster service delivery without compromising on safety standards. The policy introduces an empanelled agency mechanism along with an automated online approval process, which is expected to significantly reduce procedural delays.

Under the revised framework, both new and renewal applications for Fire Safety Certificates will be automatically approved through an online portal, provided they are supported by certification reports from empanelled agencies. This reform is expected to minimise inspection-related bottlenecks and make the process more predictable for applicants.

To ensure transparency and fairness, the empanelled agency assigned for inspection in a particular division will be selected randomly through the online system. Government oversight will remain robust, with mandatory physical verification by fire officers in 25 per cent of cases and by the Joint Director (Technical) in 10 per cent of cases, selected randomly within 30 days of certificate issuance.

Dr Misra said the policy places strong emphasis on professional competence. Strict eligibility criteria have been prescribed for empanelled agencies, including a mandatory qualification of Bachelor of Engineering in Fire or an equivalent degree for the key member, along with a minimum of four years of experience in fire protection systems or prior service in a government fire department.

She said the empanelled agencies will conduct comprehensive fire safety audits, including assessment of fire risks, electrical safety checks, verification of active systems such as sprinklers and hydrants, evaluation of passive fire safety measures, and review of staff training and emergency preparedness.

By entrusting detailed technical audits to qualified professionals, the government aims to ensure strict compliance with the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022 and the National Building Code of India, 2016. This will further strengthen safety standards in both public and private buildings. The new policy will be fully implemented by March 31, 2026, marking a major reform in Haryana’s fire safety regulatory framework.