PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Local shopkeepers and members of the Doon Udyog Vyapar Mandal met Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal on Friday to discuss the proposed new trade license charges and the annual renewal fees being introduced by the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun (MCD). They informed the mayor that over 160 market associations registered under the Doon Udyog Vyapar Mandal expressed concern over the move. They said that imposing a new license and mandating annual renewal will lead to increased corruption and encourage ‘inspector raj’. They pointed out that shopkeepers are already facing losses due to the impact of online commerce and economic slowdown and claimed that adding a new financial burden through this license is unjust. They also raised concerns about the impact of ongoing Smart City works, stating that dug-up roads across the city have already reduced customer footfall, further affecting businesses. The group questioned what additional services the MCD will provide in exchange for this new fee. They referred to the central government’s policy of One Nation, One Tax under which only GST is to be levied on businesses and said the proposed license goes against this policy. Citing the Prime Minister’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative, the shopkeepers said the new charges will result in unnecessary harassment of the business community.
They said that they completely oppose the license and renewal system and submitted letters of objection on behalf of various market associations to the mayor.
They also warned that if the corporation does not roll back the decision, traders across the city may have to resort to protests and market shutdowns. The mayor heard their concerns and assured them that objections can be submitted to the corporation by May 30 and the administration will consider the objections and take appropriate action.
