Renewal of Health Licences Harassment for Hoteliers, Should Be Abolished: Ex-MLA Krishna Hegde Urges CM Fadnavis

Mumbai: Former MLA, Shiv Sena Deputy Leader and Spokesperson Krishna Hegde on Friday met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and urged him to abolish the annual renewal process of Health Licences for hotels and eating houses in Mumbai, terming it a “harassment” for hoteliers and restaurant owners.

Hegde alleged that the yearly renewal procedure, handled by the Medical Officers of Health (MoH), has led to unnecessary interference, misuse of powers, and harassment of thousands of hoteliers across the city. “Once a health licence has been issued — even 10, 20 or 30 years ago — it indicates that all compliances were met then. Forcing annual renewals makes the online system defunct and compels owners to approach BMC officials, defeating the purpose of transparency and speed,” Hegde said.

He further pointed out that no such system exists in other states or even in neighbouring Thane and Pune municipal corporations, and claimed that the practice is unique to Mumbai. “Food quality is already regulated by the FDA and FSSAI, while fire safety comes under the Fire Department. There is no need for unnecessary interference from the BMC Health Department,” Hegde remarked.

The former MLA criticised the Health Department for failing in its core responsibilities such as maintaining hygiene, cleanliness, fogging, and conducting health camps, particularly at a time when cases of malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other water-borne diseases are on the rise. He cited the KEast ward as an example where cases have sharply increased. “Health Officers should be held accountable,” he said.

Hegde has requested the Chief Minister to direct the BMC to immediately stop the renewal process and ensure that the online system is not deliberately locked by officials for vested interests. He has also sought strict action against those responsible for harassing establishment owners.

“These hoteliers and owners generate thousands of jobs and significant revenue for Mumbai. The Chief Minister was proactive and assured that the matter would be examined,” Hegde said, adding that he has also written to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on the issue.