Despite holding UDYAM certificates, traders in Belagavi must now also obtain municipal trade licenses, as Municipal Commissioner Shubha B mandated. On Wednesday, the Commissioner personally visited the city’s main market areas, including Kalamath Road and Maruti Galli, to address traders on this issue. She warned that those failing to renew or acquire municipal licenses would face strict action.
The Commissioner, accompanied by Health Officer Dr Sanjeev Nandre, Assistant Executive Engineer Hanmant Kaladgi, and other officials, highlighted the alarming figures: over 4,000 traders in the central market and 8,000 across the city have yet to renew their licenses. She assured traders that renewal opportunities would be provided but emphasized that non-compliance would result in enforcement action.
To streamline the process, the municipal corporation has formed 21 teams tasked with both land recovery and verification of business licenses. Health department staff have already begun license checks, and during the Commissioner’s inspection, many traders claimed to have UDYAM certificates and older municipal licenses. However, Commissioner Shubha clarified that the UDYAM certificate is only valid for manufacturing units, not trading establishments, which must comply with municipal licensing requirements.
“All trade or business activities must have a municipal license, irrespective of possessing an UDYAM certificate,” the Commissioner stated. She also expressed dissatisfaction with traders using the UDYAM certificate as a justification to avoid municipal licensing.
This issue has been contentious in the past. During the tenure of former Health Officer Dr. Sanjay Dumgol, the Belagavi Chamber of Commerce argued that businesses with UDYAM certificates were exempt from municipal licenses. This led to widespread non-renewal of licenses. However, the municipal corporation has now reversed its stance, making trade licenses mandatory once again.
In light of the Commissioner’s renewed focus, business establishments across Belagavi are urged to comply promptly to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operations.
Back to licence raj….
Authorities need to hand hold small business, They got to be compassionate about the small business…they are real movers of the socio-economics of the nation. Rather than helping them out with basic necessities if authority starts autocratic behaviour, Belagavi city will lose its wealth generators…
City is facing the confidence deficit because of the headless descision being imposed through authorities by the Govt to control the city and letting people of the city to face the burden of harsh actions.
Why so many rules and regulations to shopkeepers??? Half of business are taken away by street hawkers, also they cause so much chaos. When that issue will be solved???