Vijayanagara
A recent survey has uncovered that nearly 5,000 unlicensed shops are currently operating in the region. Municipal Commissioner C. Chandrappa confirmed receiving the survey report, which highlighted this issue. While the report has not been fully analyzed, Chandrappa acknowledged that there are more than 6,000 private commercial shops in the area, with only 20 percent holding a valid license.
Chandrappa assured that the municipality would take necessary steps to ensure all commercial establishments comply with licensing regulations. Deputy Commissioner MS Diwakar, in response to the findings, emphasized that the issue is not limited to Hosapete Municipality, but extends across all eight urban local bodies in the district, where thousands of unlicensed shops are operating. Diwakar proposed issuing business licenses on the spot through a “Trade Mela.”
DUDC Project Director N. Manohar stated that, following the Deputy Commissioner’s directive, preparations are underway to organize the Trade Mela and issue licenses by the end of January 2025. He also highlighted that this initiative could generate an estimated Rs 8 to 10 crore in revenue from outstanding dues for Hosapete Municipality, with assured annual earnings of over Rs 2 crore thereafter.
