Citing traders’ ignorance,PCB puts off action against illegal shops

Some PCB officials,who did not want to be named,say enough time had been given to the traders,as the PCB had issued notices months back in newspapers asking people to apply for licence. Since August,when the PCB had issued the notices,only 79 licence forms were sold. “There is no point in sitting on these cases. Instead,the cantonment board needs to proceed against those who don’t have a licence. Not taking action only promotes illegality,” said one official.

While postponing action,the PCB has granted time only till January 10 for sale of licence forms. After January 10,a late fee of Rs 500 a day will be imposed on people conducting trade without licence. “In case a trader fails to pay the money he or she will have to shell out a fine of over a lakh an year for running the business without the licence. This is the only way trade can be legalised in the cantonment area,” added another official. PCB Chief Executive Officer (CEO),Rachel Koshy,did not comment and said officials had been asked to distribute handbills to raise awareness. PCB Chief Revenue Superintendent D V Patil said they had started issuing handbills. PCB vice-president Manzoor Nazir Shiekh said the board had decided to postpone action until people were aware of the licence requirement.

Section 277 of the Cantonment Act makes it mandatory for those running establishments like hair-cutting salons,food outlets,medical stores,grocery shops,wine shops and ice cream parlours to have a PCB licence.

People already having the licence and have applied for renewal,on the other hand,complain the PCB was sitting on applications. “We applied in April. The matter is still under process though we have completed procedures like paying fee,” says Francis,an employee with Lateef ice cream shop in Camp.