Guwahati, May 9: In a sweeping reform to support small traders, daily commuters, and women vendors, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has announced multiple citizen-focused measures, set to roll out from June 1, 2025.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania declared that all GMC-managed parking lots will offer free parking for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Contractors and private collectors have been strictly prohibited from charging fees, with the civic body warning of strict action against violators. The move aims to ease the daily commute burden on college students, delivery workers, auto-rickshaw drivers, and other low-income riders.
Responding to complaints about inflated and inconsistent parking charges, the Mayor said the waiver will promote equitable mobility and make city commuting more affordable.
In another significant move, women vendors—especially from tribal and indigenous communities—at GMC-leased markets like Lachit Commercial Bazaar (LCB) will no longer have to pay stall fees or taxes. GMC will soon begin issuing identity documentation to facilitate the implementation of the exemption.
Many of these women, who travel from rural areas to sell local produce and homemade goods, have long struggled with harassment from middlemen and unauthorised collectors. The fee waiver is expected to offer them both relief and security.
To further support micro-entrepreneurs, the GMC also announced that the annual trade license fee for small shops under 100 sq ft—such as grocery, pan, and tea stalls—will be reduced from ₹1,750 to ₹1,000.
Additionally, the trade license process has been simplified, with the number of general trade categories reduced from nearly 7,000 to under 150. This move is designed to reduce red tape, improve compliance, and boost the formalisation of small businesses.
“These reforms are a step toward a more inclusive, accessible, and trader-friendly Guwahati,” Mayor Sarania said, urging stakeholders to actively participate in the rollout and make use of the new benefits.
