As per the new law, trade licence-seekers are to submit documented evidence of either ownership of the premises or a no-objection certificate from the landlord. However, these rules would apply to only those traders, who established their business before December 31, 1993.

Deputy Mayor Meera Aggarwal and Standing Committee Chairman Shanti Desai said that application forms for the licences will be issued up to September 25 and the last date of submission of completed forms is September 30. These forms will be available at all zonal offices.

Aggarwal said that the MCD had stopped issuing ad hoc licences from 1994 following a Supreme Court ruling. She said that no trader would be challaned till the licences are issued. Traders will have to pay Rs 300 for these licences. She also said that the licences would be issued for a year and renewed till permanent licences are issued. So far the MCD has received 22,998 applications for new licences and 13,368 applications for renewal of licences.

Desai added that following the notification of new building bye-laws by the Vijay Kumar Malhotra committee, there was a need for amending the masterplan. He added that the MCD will submit its recommendations in this regard. He hoped that the amendments will be incorporated till March 31, 1999.