Getting trade licences is now simple. Traders can now get their licences renewed within minutes without waiting for the BBMP officers to inspect trade premises. They have to fill up the prescribed application, pay the fee through demand draft and get the licence renewed.
Traders can get their licences renewed without penalty till February 29. Those who apply between March 1 and 31 will have to pay 25 per cent of the total fee as penalty. Those who apply in April, the penalty is 100 per cent of the fee. Last year, applications for trade licenses for which came after March 1 were renewed only after inspection of the trade premises. But this time, the renewal is without inspection.
The Palike had introduced Suvarna Paravanagi scheme in 2007 to ease renewal of trade licenses. According to Deputy Commissioner (Resources) U Vasanth Rao, it was a successful one, recording improved fee collections. The Palike collected close to Rs 10 crore from Rs 3 crore in the previous years. Traders associations had also welcomed the scheme.
The Palike issued a new license format last year, giving enough space for renewal for the next four years. Officers concerned will verify the application filed by the trader, accept the demand draft and put seal and signature to renew the license for one more year.
Mr Rao said Palike Commissioner Dr Subramanya has agreed to go ahead with the scheme as in the previous year. Prices fixed last year will continue for 2008-09 also. This time, the Palike has gone further in simplifying the process. It will open counters in offices of MoH (Medical Officer of Health) and office of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FKCCI).
B K Goyal, president of Association Co-ordination Committee (FKCCI) said, “This is first time in India a trade association is joining hands with an urban local body to renew trade licenses.” He said once the license was issued, it would serve good for five years and should be renewed automatically every year. “In the past, officers used to visit the premises and threaten the traders of withdrawing their licenses, to collect bribe.”

Fresh licences
Speeding up the process to issue fresh licences, the Palike has made arrangements to grant the documents within seven days for those who apply between April 1 and April 30. In the past, the application had to go through the MoH, Health Officer and the concerned joint commissioner, who issued the license. However from this year, the MoH is authorised to issue licenses.
Running a trade without license or without getting it renewed is illegal. Health Department officers are entitled to seize such units without prior notice.

Palike Commissioner Dr S Subramanya, in consultations with trade associations, has framed guidelines on inspection, which says, officers should serve an advance notice of seven days. At least two representatives from associations affiliated to FKCCI should accompany the inspecting officers. For surprise visits, the officers should go along with three traders representatives. In exceptional cases, the commissioner may direct officers to inspect the trade premises with or without the representatives.

NORMS FRAMED

Palike Commissioner Dr S Subramanya, in consultations with trade associations, has framed guidelines on inspection, which says, officers should serve an advance notice of seven days. At least two representatives from associations affiliated to FKCCI should accompany the inspecting officers. For surprise visits, the officers should go along with three traders representatives. In exceptional cases, the commissioner may direct officers to inspect the trade premises with or without the representatives.


TRADE LICENCE

* FKCCI to set up counters
* Renewal without inspecting trade premises
*Traders can renew without penalty before Feb 29
* Running trade without licence illegal