The Municipal Corporation of Dehradun is facing stiff resistance from the city’s business community over its proposed licence fee for commercial establishments. As of now, 93 formal objections have been filed, with the civic body inviting more until May 31.

The move, aimed at regulating businesses and curbing unauthorized operations, would require establishments to pay an annual licence fee ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹2 lakh, depending on their size, reported Times of India.

A committee comprising municipal officials and representatives from trade associations has been formed to review grievances. Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal said the fee structure is being misunderstood. 

However, traders argue the move is unjust. “We are already paying house tax, property tax, and user fee to the corporation, along with several other taxes to the govt. Asking established businesses to pay an additional licence fee just to operate is unfair,” said Pankaj Massoon, president of the traders’ association.

Last week, protests erupted outside the municipal office, with shopkeepers demanding the withdrawal of the proposal. Many fear it will increase operational costs and add bureaucratic burdens.

With the deadline for objections nearing, all eyes are now on the review committee, which will begin assessing the complaints from June. The outcome may set a precedent for business regulation in Uttarakhand’s capital.

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Image via MCD website