PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD) will form a dedicated committee in June to review and amend trade license rules, following widespread objections from traders. The Dehradun mayor Saurabh Thapliyal announced the decision during a Press conference on Wednesday, stating that the committee will include representatives from all 165 trade unions that have raised concerns over the proposed amendments.
The MCD recently proposed changes to trade license rules for the first time in 27 years, aiming to bring all business establishments under a licensing system and generate funds for urban improvements. As per the corporation, the current fee structure, unchanged since 1998, has become outdated and leaves many commercial entities outside the regulatory framework. The updated by-laws will expand the licensing scope and revise charges to reflect modern needs. So far, the corporation has received 93 objections, with the deadline for further submissions set for May 31.
Many traders have opposed the proposal, claiming that mandatory licenses and annual renewals will increase corruption and impose additional financial strain. They argue that small shopkeepers are already struggling due to online competition and a sluggish economy and the revised rules would worsen their situation. Several traders even warned of protests and market shutdowns if the changes move forward without proper consultation.
To address the backlash, the MCD has now decided to form a committee. The mayor assured that the upcoming committee will thoroughly discuss and revise the rules in collaboration with all stakeholders. The corporation will form the committee after the objection period ends and will include relevant officials and representatives of various trade unions to ensure that every concern is addressed in a structured and fair manner.
