Now, trade licence must for Chamba shopkeepers

The Chamba Municipal Council has made it mandatory for all shopkeepers operating within its jurisdiction to obtain a trade licence. According to the official directions, failure to secure a licence will invite penal action, with fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000.

The shopkeepers can submit applications for the trade licences online through the Citizen Service Portal, said Rakhi Kaushal, Executive Officer, Chamba Municipal Council.

After submission, the Municipal Council office will scrutinise applications before granting approval. Any discrepancies or shortcomings in the application may lead to rejection.

The minimum fee for a trade licencee has been fixed at Rs 500, with the final fee determined based on the nature of business. Licences will be issued for durations ranging from one year to five years. There are approximately 1,500 shops in Chamba’s urban area, of which around 450 are owned by the Municipal Council itself.