Shimla MC seeks traders’ input on trade licence plan

The Municipal Corporation of Shimla has announced that it would gather suggestions and address objections from traders regarding a proposed mandatory trade licence. The decision to enforce trade licences for all town traders, initially taken by the Corporation’s Finance, Contract, and Planning Committee in October, has faced backlash from the local trading community, which argues that the measure would impose unnecessary financial strain on small businesses.

Mayor Surender Chauhan, representing the Municipal Corporation, explained that implementing the trade licence requirement aligns with Central Government directives. However, he assured traders that the decision has been temporarily put on hold.

Mayor Chauhan will soon convene a meeting with a delegation from the Shimla Vyapar Mandal, the local traders’ association, to discuss their concerns and clarify the trade license process. “The trade license is not intended to burden traders. We are open to receiving suggestions and addressing all concerns during this meeting,” said Chauhan, noting that the meeting would aim to inform traders about the licensing procedure and its benefits.

Despite the Mayor’s reassurances, members of the Shimla Vyapar Mandal maintain that requiring a trade licence would place additional strain on businesses. They argue that the move primarily benefits the corporation by creating an additional revenue stream, with little advantage for traders.