At least 15 business establishments in Namsai township of Arunachal Pradesh were penalised on Tuesday for operating without valid trade licences. The fines were imposed during a surprise inspection carried out by a multi-departmental team aiming to enforce compliance with commercial laws and ensure public safety.
The inspection, conducted on July 22, was led by officials from various departments including Trade and Commerce, Legal Metrology, Health and Family Welfare, Tax and Excise, Veterinary, Urban Development, Food and Civil Supply, the Town Magistrate’s office, and local police. The drive was part of a broader initiative to ensure that all commercial establishments in the region adhere to legal and regulatory standards.
Authorities confirmed that the penalised businesses were in violation of the Trade and Commerce notification issued on July 29, 2009, which mandates valid trade licences for all operating entities. In addition to these violations, two cases were also registered under Section 24 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, against shopkeepers using unverified weights and measures—an offence that undermines consumer trust and fair trade practices.
The inspection further revealed that four shopkeepers were conducting food-related business without the mandatory Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences. Officials emphasised the serious health risks posed by the absence of food safety certification and warned that repeat offenders would face stricter legal action.
The team also conducted random checks for Inner Line Permits (ILPs) and reminded all commercial operators to comply with immigration norms specific to the protected tribal state. Additionally, business owners were advised to maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness in and around their premises to prevent health hazards.
Officials involved in the operation stated that the surprise inspection was a wake-up call for violators and part of an ongoing enforcement campaign. “These checks will continue in the future to ensure that all shops and establishments are operating within the framework of the law. Our goal is to protect consumers, uphold safety standards, and encourage responsible business practices,” one of the officers said.
He asserted that the goal was to reclaim all illegally occupied lands across the state and restore public and community spaces to their rightful purpose. This renewed drive is part of the government’s larger campaign to ensure responsible land use, environmental conservation, and protection of heritage spaces.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Sarma inaugurated a 12,000-litre drinking water supply scheme at the Bura-Buri Xaal, which is expected to benefit the local community significantly. The scheme is aimed at improving access to clean drinking water in the region, which has long faced infrastructure challenges.
In a significant cultural initiative, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a ₹9 crore development project at the Burha Burhi Than. The project, which includes infrastructure upgradation and heritage conservation, seeks to preserve the sanctity and historical relevance of the site. A traditional bhoomi pujan ceremony marked the beginning of the construction work.
Dr. Sarma was accompanied by several senior leaders including Ministers Bimal Borah and Rupesh Gowala, as well as MLAs Bolin Chetia, Suren Phukan, Taranga Gogoi, and Sanjay Kishan. The presence of multiple ministers and legislators highlighted the political importance of the visit and the state’s commitment to heritage development and land reform.
