Staff Reporter, Guwahati: In a landmark reform aimed at simplifying the business ecosystem, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has drastically reduced the number of trade license categories from nearly 7,000 to just 120. The move, announced by GMC Mayor Mrigen Sarania at a press conference, is expected to make business registration faster, more transparent, and less bureaucratic. Under the revamped system, a single license will now cover multiple businesses operated by the same entity, easing compliance for entrepreneurs and reducing paperwork. Small businesses will benefit from a reduced re-registration fee of Rs 1,000—down from the earlier Rs 1,700—while new licenses for enterprises with annual turnovers under Rs 5 lakh will now cost Rs 1,700. The new trade license framework officially comes into effect today. In another significant pro-citizen initiative, Mayor Sarania announced that starting June 1, no parking fees will be levied on two- and three-wheelers across the city. Additionally, women vendors—particularly tribal women operating at Lakhtokia (Lachit) Market—will be exempt from any GMC fees and will receive official identification cards. “These reforms mark a shift toward a more inclusive and business-friendly Guwahati,” said Mayor Sarania, adding that strict action would be taken against the misuse of trade licenses and unauthorised hoardings. Previously, the fragmented licensing system generated around Rs 27 crore in revenue, but the new streamlined approach is expected to foster greater compliance and transparency while broadening the city's economic base.
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