NEW DELHI: With the aim of promoting ease of doing business, the New Delhi Municipal Council on Wednesday decided that commercial establishments such as restaurants and food-related businesses holding valid registration or licences under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSAI), will no longer be required to obtain a separate health trade licence from the civic body, officials said.
The decision follows the Council’s move to rationalise its licensing framework under various provisions of the NDMC Act. It was taken under Sections 318, 325, 327, 330, 331, 332 and 335 of the Act, with the objective of reducing regulatory overlap while continuing to ensure public health and hygiene standards.
Addressing the media, NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Singh Chahal said the FSSAI registration would now be treated as a deemed licence issued by the NDMC Chairperson under the relevant sections of the Act. He added that such establishments would remain subject to prescribed limits and conditions laid down by the competent authority.
In a similar move, theatres, auditoriums, drama venues and other commercial establishments that possess valid Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration will also be exempt from obtaining a separate NDMC licence. “The GST registration will be treated as a deemed licence under Sections 318, 327 and 332 of the NDMC Act. This step is expected to significantly reduce procedural burdens on businesses while maintaining regulatory oversight,” Chahal said.
The Council clarified that despite the exemption from certain licences, NDMC inspection teams will continue to monitor these establishments to ensure compliance with safety, sanitation and hygiene norms.
Chahal further noted that while such exemptions could lead to a shortfall in revenue, the loss would be offset through rationalisation and enhancement of other taxes, proposals for which would be brought separately before the Council.