Restaurants in Delhi face harassment due to 'licence raj': Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday claimed restaurants in city face harassment due to 'licence raj' and hoped municipal corporations will soon comply with FSSAI directive to discontinue issuing food licences. This comes days after Delhi government anunced abolition of police licenses and health tre licences, issued by BJP-ruled municipal corporations, for restaurants. It set a 10-day deline for abolishment of health tre licences. corporations have alleged that decision is a "ploy" to weaken civic bodies and said y will seek legal opinion to "counter" move.

"Restaurants contribute to Delhi ecomy and taxes in a big way. y face harassment due to license raj. All governments should work toger to remove harassment. Centre (central) government body FSSAI has directed MCDs to stop issuing food licenses. I hope MCDs will comply soon with Centre's directions," Kejriwal said in a tweet on Sunday.

Delhi government's decision to abolish licences for restaurants was taken at a meeting chaired by Kejriwal. It was attended by restaurant owners. In meeting, restaurateurs h said Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) alrey issues food safety and hygiene licences. Issuing of health tre licences by local bodies duplicated task and was irrelevant. rth Delhi Mayor Jai Prakash h said he has sought legal opinion to counter government's move. South Delhi Mayor Anamika alleged that AAP government is doing politics over issuing of health tre licences.

"y are misleing people by saying licence should be re to run restaurants. licences are issued by corporations under DMC Act 1957 to ensure safety and comfort of people by ensuring herence to various parameters," she said.

health tre licence is issued online for ease of doing business and re is interference by any officer. entire process is transparent, she ded. Anamika said se licences cover various parameters like structural safety of a restaurant building, safe drinking water to prevent water-borne diseases, health check-up of waiters and delivery boys, solid waste manment and sanitation. Restaurateurs have welcomed government's decision. 

(Im Credits: PTI)