In a major administrative reform, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi has issued a notification removing the Delhi Police from the licensing process for several business categories in the capital. The responsibility will now be vested with local urban bodies and concerned departments, streamlining the process and reducing bureaucratic delays.
According to the notification, the police will no longer be responsible for issuing licences or No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for businesses such as hotels, guest houses, restaurants, motels, swimming pools, video game parlours, discotheques, auditoriums, and amusement parks.
Instead, the authority has been transferred to civic agencies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Delhi Cantonment Board.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta hailed the move as a landmark step toward administrative transparency and efficiency, stating that the reform reflects the central government’s vision and reduces the burden of licensing on police, allowing them to focus on core responsibilities such as law and order, crime prevention, and women’s safety.
“The change will not only ease the licensing process for businesses but will also reduce the burden on the police, allowing them to dedicate more time to focus on maintaining law and order, preventing crime and focusing on women’s safety.
The decision comes in response to longstanding complaints from traders and industry stakeholders about corruption and delays in the grant of licences by Delhi Police.
Both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court had earlier recommended the removal of licensing powers from police.
Tune In