MCD to simplify trade licence policy: Mayor

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to revise and simplify its policy for issuing and renewing trade and storage licences. Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain said on Friday that the civic body will make the process simpler.

The MCD has already undertaken a pilot project whereby it is conducting a survey of areas like Kashmere Gate and Chandni Chowk; once identified,the traders will be issued new licences “at their doorstep”.

Sain said the pilot project has been welcomed by all traders,and the MCD now proposes to adopt the revised policy. As per the new policy,instead of asking for multiple documents,a self-declaration in the form of an affidavit will be acceptable for issuance of a new licence.

Besides,the Zonal Licensing Branch will have to process the document and complete all formalities within 30 days of its submission. In case of irregularities,the body will sort it out in the next 15 days.

Further,in order to streamline records of trade licence and to ensure transparency,all applicants of the new Trade and Storage Licences will be first issued a provisional licence by the zone concerned. It will then be verified and made permanent within a month.

Sain said the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act,1957,makes it obligatory for traders to obtain a licence for running trade,and storing goods and material. However,due to the current time-consuming policy,most traders hesitate to obtain valid licences. He said according to an estimate,there are around eight lakh traders,out of which only 55,000 are registered with MCD.

“It is felt that most traders find the procedure for obtaining licence cumbersome and are therefore hesitant to obtain one. It also affects revenue generation of the civic body to the tune of Rs100 crore,” he said.

“Since the enactment of the DMC Act,1957,the trade profile of the city has undergone a vast transformation. A number of new trades and goods have come into existence but they have not been covered under the existing Trade Licensing or Storage Policy of the civic body so far,” Sain said.

The revised licensing policy of the MCD aims to bring trade and storage activities pertaining to computers and computer peripherals,branded shops in malls,eateries,home appliances,furnishings,mobiles,saloons and spa services,financial service offices and branded gyms under the jurisdiction of the MCD.