Chandigarh, April 13
The Chandigarh Business Council (CBC) has strongly welcomed the landmark order issued by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, describing it as a “big relief” and a “significant achievement” for the business community. The order removes the requirement of verifying property tax receipts prior to the issuance or renewal of Fire Safety Certificates (FSC). This reform, linked to directions arising from proceedings before the National Company Law Tribunal, marks a major procedural shift aimed at easing compliance for businesses.
CBC President Ajay Gupta said the decision would resolve long-pending issues faced by enterprises whose Fire Safety Certificates were withheld due to property tax arrears, despite their adherence to fire safety norms. The CBC team, including Immediate Past President Chander Verma and Vice President Avi Bhasin, played an active role in representing the concerns of the business community on this matter. The Council also acknowledged the support extended by Mayor Saurabh Joshi.
The order removes the property tax verification requirement from the SOP dated 13 September 2019. All pending or withheld Fire Safety Certificate cases due to property tax arrears will now be processed, subject to compliance with applicable fire safety rules and norms. Station Fire Officers have been directed not to withhold FSC issuance or renewal solely on the basis of pending property tax. Strict adherence to fire safety procedures and SOP guidelines remains mandatory.
At the same time, the Assistant Collector (Tax), Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, has been directed to expedite recovery of property tax arrears separately and take action against defaulters as per rules.
The CBC reiterated that this reform will improve ease of doing business while ensuring that fire safety compliance remains uncompromised. The Council expressed optimism that such balanced and pragmatic decisions will further strengthen trust and cooperation between the administration and the business community.
