Mumbai: Former MLA, Shiv Sena Deputy Leader and Spokesperson Krishna Hegde has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to abolish the annual renewal process of health licences, calling it unnecessary harassment for hoteliers and restaurateurs in the city.
During a meeting with the Chief Minister on Friday, Hegde alleged that the renewal process has led to misuse of power by BMC health officers, forcing thousands of hotels, restaurants, and eateries to face undue interference.
He pointed out that once a health licence has been granted — even decades ago — compliance requirements have already been met. However, the online renewal system is frequently stalled, compelling business owners to approach health officials in person, undermining the purpose of digitisation.
“Such a practice is not followed anywhere else — neither in other states nor in Thane and Pune. Mumbai is the only city burdened with this cumbersome system,” Hegde said.
He further stressed that food quality is already regulated by the FDA and FSSAI, while fire safety falls under the Fire Department, leaving little justification for the BMC Health Department to interfere. Instead, he said, municipal health officers should focus on core responsibilities like cleanliness, fogging, and controlling the rise of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
Hegde urged the Chief Minister to direct the Municipal Commissioner to ensure that the online system is not deliberately blocked for vested interests and demanded action against officers harassing hoteliers. He also reminded the state of the economic importance of the hospitality sector in generating jobs and revenue for Mumbai.
According to Hegde, CM Fadnavis assured him that the issue will be examined. The former MLA has also written to Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani seeking intervention.
