The Government of Manipur on September 12, 2026, issued the Manipur Unified (Trade, Shop and Establishment Licensing) Bill, 2026.
This Bill is issued to reform and modernize trade licensing governance in the State of Manipur by establishing a unified, transparent, digital and self-declaration-based licensing framework; to eliminate duplication of licences; to ensure time-bound administrative accountability; to introduce scientific risk-based classification of businesses; and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The proposed framework establishes a Unified Digital Trade, Shop and Establishment Licensing System across the State through a common portal and application process, while preserving the statutory powers of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and other local bodies. The Directorate of Trade, Commerce & Industry will act as the State Nodal Agency, while the respective ULB Executive Officer, Block Development Officer, or ADC Chief Executive Officer/authorised officer will issue licences in their respective jurisdictions. A single licence will be required for the same business activity, eliminating duplicate licensing requirements.
All businesses, including specified home-based/household non-polluting units with investment up to ₹1 lakh, must register through the portal. Existing licence holders must migrate to the unified system within one year or at renewal, whichever is earlier. Licensing will follow a self-declaration and risk-based approach: low-risk businesses will receive automated approval without prior inspection, medium-risk applications will receive deemed approval if no deficiency is communicated within 21 working days, while high-risk businesses will require prior clearances. Licence validity will be lifetime for low-risk, 10 years for medium-risk and 5 years for high-risk businesses, subject to prescribed annual fees.
The framework also provides for a digital portal with QR-coded licences, electronic approvals, integrated departmental systems and elimination of physical document requirements where data is digitally available. Inspections will be randomized and risk-based, with no routine inspection of low- and medium-risk businesses during the initial two years; thereafter, inspections will generally occur once every three years for low-risk and once every two years for medium-risk businesses. High-risk businesses will be subject to pre-inspection and annual inspections. False declarations may attract monetary penalties, licence suspension/cancellation and blacklisting, while businesses will receive an opportunity to rectify minor procedural lapses.
Grievances filed through the portal are to be resolved within 30 working days, and appeals against orders may be filed within 30 days, with the designated Appellate Authority required to dispose of appeals within a further 30 days.
[Notification No. 2/13/2026-Leg/L]
