Only 17,119 trade licences have been renewed in 2022-23

Mangaluru: Though thousands of traders are carrying out business in Mangaluru city, only 17,119 trade licences have been renewed so far. The trade licences must be renewed in March every year, compulsorily. However, the city corporation understood that traders have been carrying out business with invalid licences. Due to this, the city corporation is facing financial losses. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has given a fresh deadline of June 30, for all traders to renew trade licences in the city. The city has over 40,000 traders, according to sources.
MCC commissioner Akshy Sridhar said that for ease of trade in the MCC limits, individuals must possess trade licences from the city corporation, according to sections 343 and 353 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976. “An expired licence will not hold any validity. In order to make the procurement and renewal of trade licences easier, the city corporation has also introduced an online software system application. However, in 2022-23, only 17,119 trade licences have been renewed. It has been brought to the notice of the city corporation, that the traders have been carrying out business with invalid licences. Due to this, the city corporation is facing financial losses,” he said.
“Traders who possess expired licences are requested to apply for renewal before June 30, failing which all licences will be withdrawn. After this, traders will have to apply for fresh licences again, with appropriate documents. If these requirements are not met, the business will be deemed illegal. Measures will be taken to shut down all illegal businesses, wherein they will be required to pay the old tax and water tariff dues, along with fines,” the commissioner said.
Citizens can now report any illegal business establishment, by messaging on WhatApp to 9449007722 or call on 0824-222036, he added.