New Proposal Aims to Strengthen Action Against Illegal Establishments in the City

Reporter: Deepak Sagar

New Delhi: Facing a shortage of licensing inspectors, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is planning to grant licensing-related powers to sanitary inspectors so that action against illegal and unlicensed establishments can be strengthened across city wards.


According to sources, the proposal is likely to be placed before the House during Friday’s meeting. The move comes after repeated demands for stricter enforcement against rule violations, which have been hindered by a shortage of licensing staff.


Shortage of Licensing Inspectors Behind the Proposal
Several wards of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi are currently facing a significant shortage of licensing inspectors, affecting regular inspections and enforcement drives.


To address the gap, officials have suggested that sanitary inspectors in the respective wards could also be authorised to perform licensing duties, enabling quicker action against establishments operating without valid permits.


Proposal Backed by Key Officials
The proposal has been put forward by Sandeep Kapoor, Chairman of the Department of Environment Management Services (DEMS), and has received support from Deputy Chairman Raju Sachdeva.


Officials believe that the measure could improve monitoring and enforcement at the ward level, especially in areas where licensing inspectors are currently unavailable.


Technical Qualifications Considered
Municipal officials noted that the proposal also takes into account technical qualification requirements.
Public Health Inspectors and Sanitary Inspectors are required to hold a diploma-level qualification.
In contrast, the Licensing Inspector position does not require a specific technical diploma.
Based on this consideration, the Ward Committee meeting unanimously recommended assigning licensing responsibilities to sanitary inspectors within their respective wards.


Vacant Posts May Take Time to Fill
Sources indicate that recruitment for vacant licensing inspector posts could take time, making it necessary to introduce an interim administrative arrangement to ensure smooth functioning.
The proposed measure is expected to maintain enforcement efficiency until the vacant positions are formally filled.


Sanitation Department Staffing Data
According to municipal records:
47,668 posts are sanctioned in the sanitation department.
Over 18,659 posts are approved for daily-wage workers.
Officials hope that the new arrangement will accelerate action against illegal activities and businesses operating without proper licences across the capital.


Key Highlights
Sanitary inspectors may be given licensing enforcement powers.
Move aims to address shortage of licensing inspectors in MCD wards.
Proposal to be placed before the House for approval.