VALPOI
Licensed traders in the Valpoi Municipal Council area have alleged that several commercial establishments are operating without the mandatory Trade and Occupation Licence, while strict action is taken only against traders who comply with municipal regulations. They have urged the municipal administration to conduct an immediate inspection and initiate legal proceedings against all unauthorised businesses.
According to the traders, every individual or establishment carrying out commercial activities within the jurisdiction of the Valpoi Municipal Council is legally required to obtain a Trade and Occupation Licence. Besides ensuring compliance with municipal regulations, the licensing system also serves as an important source of revenue for the civic body.
However, the traders claim that several businesses are functioning without valid licences. They alleged that numerous shops have been set up along roadsides, on footpaths and even on private properties without obtaining the required permissions from the municipality.
Licensed traders said they have been running their businesses legally for years by obtaining licences, renewing them on time, paying municipal taxes and complying with all statutory requirements. They contend that the growing number of unauthorised establishments has created unfair competition and adversely affected their livelihood.
The traders further alleged that the municipality promptly issues notices and even warns of sealing establishments whenever there is a delay in licence renewal or payment of fees. In contrast, they claimed that no notices are served and no action is taken against businesses operating without licences, creating what they described as a "double standard."
They said the matter has been brought to the attention of the municipal administration on several occasions, but no effective action has been taken so far. As a result, they alleged that law-abiding traders continue to suffer financial losses while unauthorised businesses operate without hindrance.
With the elected municipal council no longer in office, the municipality is currently being administered by an Administrator. The traders have appealed to the Administrator to treat the issue on priority and order a comprehensive inspection of all commercial establishments within the municipal limits.
Residents have also expressed concern over the increasing number of roadside vendors and shops occupying municipal footpaths. They said pedestrians are often forced to walk on busy roads due to encroachments, increasing the risk of accidents.
According to residents, customers frequently park their vehicles along the roadside while shopping, leading to traffic congestion in already busy market areas. They also pointed out that emergency vehicles often face delays because of the bottlenecks.
Licensed traders further argued that businesses operating without Trade and Occupation Licences are depriving the municipality of significant revenue. They said licence fees, renewal charges and other related taxes constitute an important source of income for the civic body. Ensuring that every commercial establishment is properly licensed, they added, would not only create a level playing field but also strengthen the municipality's finances for civic development.
The traders have urged the Municipal Market Inspector to undertake regular inspections across the town to identify unlicensed establishments. They have demanded that notices be issued directing such businesses to obtain the required licences within the stipulated period, failing which appropriate legal action, including closure of establishments, should be initiated.
Traders and local residents have appealed to the municipal administration to launch a comprehensive enforcement drive against unauthorised commercial establishments, stating that strict implementation of municipal regulations is essential to ensure transparency, fair competition and orderly urban development.
