ONLY 12 OF 1052 SHOPS HAVE TRADE LICENSE

ONLY 12 OF 1052 SHOPS HAVE TRADE LICENSE

15-MARCH-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR-------------------------A large number of commercial establishments within the Dumraon Nagar Parishad (Municipal Council) area are operating without trade licenses. Recent data released by the Nagar Parishad has come as a shock to both the administration and the city's residents. According to the council, 1,052 commercial properties have been identified across the entire region; however, a mere 12 of these establishments hold valid trade licenses. This implies that virtually the entire commercial ecosystem is operating outside the bounds of the law.

The Nagar Parishad administration believes that this situation is resulting in an annual revenue loss amounting to lakhs of rupees. Over the past two years, several new malls and large commercial establishments have opened in the city; yet, the majority of them have failed to obtain trade licenses and are currently operating without the necessary permits.

In light of this situation, the Nagar Parishad has now decided to initiate strict action. On Thursday, the council issued notices to 35 shopkeepers and mall operators, directing them to obtain trade licenses. Rahul Dhar Dubey, the Executive Officer of the Nagar Parishad, stated that shopkeepers who have received these notices are required to procure a trade license within one week. Failure to obtain a license even after the expiration of this stipulated deadline will result in legal action being taken under the Bihar Municipal Act.

The Nagar Parishad has also intensified its campaign against those selling meat and poultry in the open within the city. Specifically, notices have been issued to approximately 25 shopkeepers who are selling meat in the open along the roadside, particularly in the vicinity of Raj High School. The administration has made it clear that conducting such business openly on the roadside will no longer be tolerated. Those found violating the regulations may face fines and other punitive actions.

The demand for the construction of a slaughterhouse within the city—aimed at bringing order to meat and fish shops—has once again gained momentum.

According to reports, the Municipal Council's old slaughterhouse, located on Bhatti Road, was shut down years ago and has since fallen into a dilapidated state, effectively turning into ruins. During a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA), Pradeep Sharan of the Dumraon Social Forum raised a demand for the renovation of the old slaughterhouse and for the relocation of all meat and fish vendors in the city to that facility.

Municipal Council officials stated that a survey regarding the repair work for the slaughterhouse has been conducted by a Junior Engineer. Further action will be initiated upon receipt of the survey report, with the objective of organizing the city's meat and fish shops and ensuring strict adherence to hygiene standards.