Overview

• A June 22 order rescinded Delhi Police power to issue licences or NOCs under Section 28 of the Delhi Police Act for seven sectors, including hotels and entertainment venues.
• Authorisation to grant approvals now lies with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment Board, which will roll out a single-window digital system.
• The reform aligns with the Centre’s Ease of Doing Business and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance policies aimed at cutting red tape and overlapping regulations.
• Trade bodies such as the National Restaurant Association of India and the Chamber of Trade and Industry estimate the change will benefit about 25,000 establishments and up to two million workers.
• Freed from licensing duties, Delhi Police will reallocate manpower to core functions such as crime prevention, public safety and women’s security.