New act to make it easier to start new business

The act will allow traders to get a provisional trade license upon application

Making it easier to start new businesses, the West Bengal Assembly today passed a bill which will allow traders to get a provisional trade license upon application.

The West Bengal Municipal (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed unanimously in the House.

State Municipal and Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said the bill was aimed at making it easier for people to start a new business.

"People have to run from pillar to post for getting a basic thing like trade license. We will now give a provisional license. After one year, the trader has to submit all required documents and he will get a permanent trade license which would be valid for a period of three years," Hakim told reporters later on outside the House.

Altogether six bills relating to municipal affairs were passed in the Assembly today.

West Bengal Municipal (Third Amendment) Bill, 2015, provides for allowing incremental floor area ratio over and above the prescribed limit.

The minister said as the city's population is increasing the only way to accommodate more people is to grow vertically.

He said there is scope for expansion by adding new floors in many existing buildings.

The government has also given legal sanctity to the post of hearing officers in building related affairs.

Amidst a walkout by Congress MLAs, the Assembly also passed a resolution under Rule 169 regarding inclusion of certain areas under Bally Municipality within Howrah Municipal Corporation.

Hakim said they took the decision to bring development in Bally area which will now get more funds under various projects.

Both the Left and Congress opposed the resolution but it was passed following a vote by majority members of the House in favour.

Protesting against the resolution, Congress MLAs walked out of the House.