Following corruption cases related to the approval of business licenses, the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation has determined that all applications are to be accepted only through the online portal.
Though the Corporation had implemented an online system for business licenses through Sanchar Portal, the system of manual processing of files continued. Despite the services being completely online, this practice has been a curse in various wings.
As per the instructions issued by the corporation secretary to the health wing officials of the civic body earlier this week, the health inspectors in each circle will have to ensure that no physical application for business license is received at the health circle office concerned. The officials have been asked to display notices informing the public that business license applications are now being accepted only through the portal. This can be done through Akshaya Kendras for those who do not have internet facility.
Health inspectors have also been directed to convene meetings of local trade organizations and union leaders to inform them about the new arrangements and clear their doubts about the process. The Secretary, in his circular to the officers, notes that several applications for business licenses are currently pending with the authorities at various levels. If the files are found pending with them even after the prescribed time period for scrutiny of applications, disciplinary action will be taken against the officers.
The corporation has issued more than 20,000 business licenses to establishments in the city. In addition, quite a few work even without a license. Two weeks ago, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) officials arrested a health inspector of Jagti health circle for allegedly accepting a bribe from a trader who had sought a license for a fruit shop in Vazhuthacaud. Though the trader had previously submitted an application for a license, before opening the shop, the officer had submitted a fresh application, allegedly as a way of taking bribe from him.
Although the online system has been implemented, applicants due to lack of awareness approach the health authorities and go through the physical application process. In some cases, health inspectors have been found demanding applicants to submit physical applications for revision, before proceeding with the online process. With the new directives, all such practices are expected to end.