Chamber Meets Urban Development Secretary, Flags Civic and Trade Issues

Jharkhandinc Bureau

RANCHI, March 20: A delegation of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) met Urban Development Secretary Sunil Kumar on Friday to discuss issues related to urban planning, trade and municipal administration.

The meeting was held at Project Bhawan, where the delegation raised concerns over building regulations, trade licensing and pending civic issues affecting businesses.

Officials said discussions were held on the proposed building regularisation scheme. The secretary informed that the bill is expected to be introduced soon and assured that its draft would be shared with the chamber for suggestions.

The delegation also raised the issue of delayed review of the Ranchi Master Plan 2037. Members said the plan has not been reviewed for the past eight years despite provisions for periodic revision, affecting land use by property owners.

The chamber suggested formation of a committee with its representation to review the master plan and building bye-laws. The secretary assured that the proposal would be considered.

Concerns were also raised over pending rent disputes related to shops at Bazaar Tand. The delegation said no punitive action should be taken against shopkeepers, including sealing of shops, until a permanent resolution is reached.

Officials discussed the issue of hoardings, with members stating that operators who have made investments based on long-term registrations should not face sudden removal. The secretary said the matter would be reviewed.

The delegation also demanded early operationalisation of the Transport Nagar, relaxation in land-use norms for warehousing and simplification of the trade licence process.

Members said the existing licensing process is complex, and enforcement actions such as sealing of shops for non-compliance are affecting traders. They urged that traders should not face strict action without adequate notice.

The secretary assured that shops would not be sealed solely due to absence of trade licences and said steps would be taken to address concerns.

The delegation included Chamber President Aditya Malhotra, General Secretary Rohit Agarwal, Joint Secretary Navjot Alag, Rohit Poddar, executive members and other representatives.