MCD merges general trade licence with property tax

In a major relief to Delhi’s business community, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Tuesday approved a landmark measure to integrate the General Trade/Storage Licence (GTL) with the property tax system, a move aimed at simplifying procedures and strengthening the capital’s ease of doing business framework.

Under the new mechanism, the GTL issued under Section 417 of the DMC Act will no longer require a separate application or document. Traders will now be able to pay their licence fee along with their annual property tax, with the payment receipt itself serving as a valid licence, subject to compliance with pollution, fire safety and other statutory norms.

The licence fee has been standardised at 15 per cent of the applicable property tax, replacing the earlier structure that varied based on trade type, area and location.

Officials said the model is revenue-neutral while ensuring uniformity and predictability across categories of traders.

Welcoming the decision, Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh said the reform marks a major shift towards transparency and citizen-centric governance. “This step eliminates redundant procedures, curbs harassment and creates a trust-based system that supports honest taxpayers,” he said.

The Mayor added that delinking licence assessment from multiple parameters will also reduce the need for field inspections and narrow rent-seeking opportunities.

Four-hour discussion on air pollution

The MCD House meeting, which ran for nearly four hours, also saw an extensive discussion on Delhi’s escalating air pollution. Calling it a serious challenge, the Mayor said both ruling and Opposition members contributed practical suggestions.

Following the deliberations, the Mayor directed officials to launch time-bound measures to curb air and dust pollution. Key actions include strict monitoring of construction sites, intensified roadside dust control, crackdown on garbage burning and special cleanliness drives in high-risk localities.

“No instance of burning waste, dry leaves or biomass will be tolerated,” said Singh, adding that special night and early morning patrolling teams have been deployed for immediate action against violators. He also ordered expediting patchwork and repair of damaged roads to contain dust emissions.

Several proposals aimed at strengthening civic amenities, improving environmental conditions and enhancing municipal service delivery were also cleared during the meeting.