The Belagavi Chamber of Commerce, Belagavi Cloth Merchants Association, Pharmacy Association, Hotel Association, and other business groups have voiced concerns over the mandatory trade license requirement for establishments already holding a UDYAM certificate. In a recent discussion with City Commissioner Shubha B., the chamber emphasized that a 2020 legal amendment exempts UDYAM certificate holders from needing a separate trade license.
As per the 2020 amendment, businesses with a valid UDYAM certificate are not obligated to obtain a trade license from the City Corporation. The Chamber of Commerce assured the commissioner’s office that a copy of this amendment would be submitted for review. While Commissioner Shubha acknowledged the amendment, she stated that the final decision would be made only after the document’s review, which could take four to five days.
Currently, the City Corporation requires all businesses, including those with a UDYAM certificate, to possess a trade license. This stance has raised concerns among business owners. The commissioner reassured attendees that a resolution would likely be reached by next week.
The issue of trade license compulsion has been a point of contention in the past. Under the leadership of former Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil and the previous City Commissioner, the requirement was waived for UDYAM certificate holders. The Belagavi Chamber of Commerce urged the current administration to maintain this exemption.
Certain sectors, like pharmaceutical businesses, are already exempt from trade license requirements. The Chamber has called for clear directives to eliminate confusion for businesses.
The meeting also covered waste classification protocols, underscoring the City Corporation’s commitment to involving businesses in sustainable practices.
The commissioner assured that the City Corporation’s decision on the matter would be communicated next week, offering much-needed clarity to Belagavi’s business community.
