Dharamsala traders unite against new licence fee

Shopkeepers of Kotwali Market in Dharamsala downed their shutters for two hours on Friday in protest against the Municipal Corporation’s decision to impose a trader licence fee.

The traders alleged that the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (MC) had issued a directive requiring them to register with the local body and obtain a trader licence, with a fee of Rs 500 for five years.

Anup Kayshap, who led the protest, said the MC was imposing taxes without offering basic amenities in return. “The drainage system and parking remain major issues in the Kotwali Market area, and the MC has done little to resolve them,” he said. “Until basic facilities are provided, we have unanimously decided not to pay the licence fee. We are also in contact with vyapar mandals across the state, and all trader bodies have agreed to oppose this fee.”

When contacted, Dharamsala MC Commissioner Zaffar Iqbal said the move is in accordance with the MC Act of 1994, which mandates that anyone involved in trading or providing services within the MC limits must obtain a trader licence from the local body.

He explained that the Centre has linked grants to municipal revenue-generation measures. Accordingly, the state’s Urban Development Department, in a meeting held on February 5, decided to digitise nine municipal services, including the issuance of trade licences.

“A special awareness campaign was conducted in Dharamsala to encourage traders to register. While the MC Act allows for a fee of Rs 500 per year, we reduced it to Rs 500 for five years in response to objections from local traders,” the Commissioner said.

He added that around 900 traders have already registered, and the deadline for obtaining a trade licence has been extended from April 30 to May 31. He also confirmed that penalties could be levied on those who fail to comply.