In a significant citizen-centric reform aimed at improving ease of doing business and reducing compliance burden, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has decided to integrate the levy and collection of the General Trade/Storage Licence Fee with the Property Tax system.
As part of this initiative, the existing requirement of filing a separate application and obtaining a standalone General Trade Licence (GTL) under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 has been abolished.
Going forward, all property owners and occupiers—identified through the Unique Property Identification Code (UPIC)—will be able to pay the applicable licence fee seamlessly along with their Property Tax via the Property Tax portal.
Under the new framework, the General Trade/Storage Licence Fee has been rationalised and fixed at 15 per cent of the Property Tax of the premises concerned. The fee will be payable annually at the time of Property Tax payment, ensuring a simplified, transparent, and hassle-free compliance mechanism, the civic body said on Saturday.
The receipt generated upon payment will serve as a valid General Trade/Storage Licence for the premises, carrying an appropriate endorsement to this effect. This ‘deemed licence’ will remain valid for one financial year, co-terminus with the Property Tax period.
While the process has been significantly streamlined, the MCD reiterated that all licence holders must strictly comply with applicable laws and regulations, including those related to pollution control, fire safety, and other statutory requirements. Obtaining necessary approvals and clearances from the relevant authorities will remain the sole responsibility of the owner, occupier, or trade operator.
“Further, the owner/occupier/trade operator shall be fully responsible for ensuring the safety of life and property. Any loss or damage arising due to negligence or non-compliance will attract civil and criminal liability, for which the concerned individual will be solely accountable,” the MCD stated.
A formal declaration to this effect will be obtained during the Property Tax payment process and will also be reflected in the payment receipt. The reform marks a major step towards simplifying governance and improving overall compliance for citizens in Delhi.