Jharkhand Housing Board Cancels Trade Licenses in Residential Colonies: Traders Face Uncertainty

Ranchi: In the wake of a recent Supreme Court order mandating municipal bodies in all states and Union Territories to survey residential areas being used for commercial purposes and submit affidavits by May 15, traders operating from Bariatu and Argora housing colonies are concerned about their livelihood.

Jharkhand State Housing Board (JSHB) secretary Binay Lakra said, “These properties were allotted and acquired for residential use. Hence, commercial setups cannot be permitted. We have requested the Ranchi municipal corporation to cancel such trade licences.”

Bariatu Housing Colony comprises over 500 housing units. “These were allotted by JSHB under various schemes such as ‘Janta Flats’ (G+3 units) for EWS, MIG for middle-income groups, and HIG for higher-income groups. If the violations are not addressed, the allotments may be cancelled and legal action initiated,” Rajesh Kumar, executive engineer of JSHB (Ranchi), said.

Over the years, Bariatu has evolved into a medical hub with key healthcare institutions such as Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences besides numerous private hospitals, diagnostic centres, pharmacies, hostels and eateries catering to patients and their attendants.

“Most businesses here are linked to the medical ecosystem. Shutting them down will inconvenience patients and hit livelihoods,” said Dheeraj Kumar, an owner of a medical store at Bariatu.

“Since many doctors reside in Bariatu, the presence of pharmacies and clinics is vital for patient care. Any abrupt closure would inconvenience thousands who depend on these facilities,” said Dr Anil Verma.

“These shops have become part of our daily lives, providing easy access to medicines and necessities. The authorities should consider a regularisation policy,” said Sunita Sinha, a resident.

Deputy municipal commissioner Gautam Prasad Sahu said, “Our enforcement teams have begun surveys across Harmu, Bariatu, and Argora. Trade licences in the notified residential colonies are being cancelled, and no fresh licences will be issued. While the earlier process did not verify land-use compliance, we are now ensuring strict adherence to residential norms, as large-scale commercialisation has been reported in violation of allotment conditions.”

In Argora Housing Colony, over 50 commercial establishments have received notices twice. “Many of us have been running shops for years. If authorities now say licences will be cancelled, they should also explain why they were issued and what alternatives we have,” said Harshit Prasad, a trader.

Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) president Aditya Malhotra said, “Shutting down these traders will adversely affect the local economy and disrupt essential services.”
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