In a significant step toward strengthening fire safety governance in the state, the Government of Chhattisgarh has issued a formal notification amending the Chhattisgarh Fire and Emergency Service Rules, 2021. The amendments introduce a comprehensive framework for licensing, regulating, and monitoring Third-Party Fire Safety Auditors, marking a major policy shift aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and technical rigor in fire-safety compliance across buildings and establishments.
Introduction of Third-Party Auditors
A new clause has been inserted in Rule 2 introducing the concept of a “Third Party Auditor”—defined as a person or an accredited agency authorized by the Director General (DG) or nominated officer to conduct fire-safety audits and certify compliance of buildings.
This move allows qualified external professionals to participate in the state’s fire-safety ecosystem while maintaining governmental oversight.
New Rule 37A: Licensing and Operational Powers
1. Grant of License
Under the newly inserted Rule 37A, the Director General is empowered to:
- Grant or renew licenses for Third-Party Auditors for two-year terms.
- Scrutinize applications and conduct necessary inquiries.
- Suspend or cancel licenses for rule violations, incompetence, misconduct, or serious professional lapses—after providing an opportunity for explanation.
2. Conduct of Fire Safety Audits
The rule mandates that:
- Only a competent departmental officer or licensed Third-Party Auditor may perform fire-safety audits.
- No auditor may certify compliance unless the premises fully meet standards prescribed under:
- The National Building Code (NBC),
- Relevant BIS standards, or
- Chhattisgarh State Building Bye-Laws.
- Owners/occupiers of notified premises must submit:
- A compliance certificate issued by a Third-Party Auditor, and
- Biannual (January & July) certificates confirming proper functioning of all fire-safety measures.
Rule 37B: Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
The amendments lay down stringent eligibility conditions for Third-Party Auditors. Applicants must possess:
1. Required Qualifications
Any one of the following:
- Degree/Diploma in Fire Engineering from National Fire Service College (NFSC), Nagpur.
- Recognized qualifications from Institution of Fire Engineers (India/UK).
- Degree/Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Civil Engineering with at least three years of fire-audit experience as per NBC or NFPA standards.
2. Additional Requirements
- Solvency certificate of an amount based on auditor grade (₹2.5–15 lakhs).
- Experience of conducting audits within the last three years.
- Proof of technical expertise and clean professional record (not blacklisted).
3. Application Fees
Applications in Form-N must be accompanied by the following fee structure:
| Grade | Solvency (₹ Lakhs) | Fee (₹) |
| A | 15.00 | 25,000 |
| B | 10.00 | 15,000 |
| C | 5.00 | 10,000 |
| D | 2.50 | 5,000 |
Applicants must also attach partnership deeds, GST registration, bank guarantees, financial documents, experience certificates, and photographs.
Rule 37C: Licensing, Renewal & Enforcement
The Director General will issue licenses in Form-O, subject to:
- Non-transferability,
- Two-year validity, and
- Renewal for another two years upon timely application.
Auditors must inform the DG of any changes in key personnel or registered address.
The fire department may also conduct random inspections of audit work.
In cases of malpractice, false reporting, or negligence, licenses may be suspended or canceled after due process, which includes issuing a Form-P show-cause notice.
Rule 37D: Regulation, Certification & Departmental Oversight
1. Fee Structure
Third-Party Auditors may collect fees directly from building owners/occupiers for services rendered.
2. Mandatory Certificates
Auditors must issue:
- A detailed fire audit report with a compliance certificate in Form-Q.
- A biannual maintenance certificate in Form-R submitted every January and July by the owner/occupier.
3. Departmental Fire-Safety Audit
If an owner/occupier disputes a Third-Party Audit, they may request a departmental audit by paying prescribed charges.
4. Random Verification
At least 30% of all audits performed by Third-Party Auditors will undergo random verification by qualified officers. Major deviations may attract strict action.
Key Highlights of the Amendment
- Introduction of Third-Party Fire Safety Auditors into state fire-safety governance.
- Stringent qualifications, experience parameters, and solvency norms for auditor licensing.
- Two-year licensing system with renewal provisions and strict enforcement powers.
- Mandatory biannual fire-safety certification for notified buildings.
- Random verification of 30% of audits by the Fire Department to prevent malpractice.
- Clear documentation, reporting formats (Forms N, O, P, Q, R), and compliance requirements.