Ranchi, September 28: Questions have been raised over the Ranchi Municipal Corporation's action against traders in the name of trade licences. Chamber President Tulsi Patel said, “There is darkness under the lamp. There is no clarity about the agency responsible for issuing trade licences, yet the Municipal Corporation is taking action against traders.”
The issue was discussed at a meeting at the Chamber Bhawan, where concerns were raised over notices being issued to traders and shops being sealed over trade licence-related matters.
According to the Chamber, several traders have been directed to obtain or renew their trade licences within just three days, with warnings that failure to comply could lead to shop sealing and legal action.
The Chamber said the tenure of the agency authorised for revenue collection and trade licence-related work has ended. A new agency has reportedly not yet been selected, while the previous agency's tenure has also not been extended.
The Chamber also said its review of the online application and renewal process found that the system was not functioning effectively.
The Chamber stated that traders are ready to comply with legal requirements, but the Municipal Corporation should first ensure a transparent and functional system for issuing and renewing trade licences.
It demanded special camps for traders and adequate time to complete the licensing process.
The Chamber also urged the Municipal Administrator to stop inspections, notices and punitive action against traders until the trade licence system is fully streamlined, and to review previously issued notices.
According to the Chamber, some shops near Shahid Chowk were also sealed following trade licence-related notices, prompting opposition from traders.
