In the Maharashtra scheme for registration of shops, it has been noticed that several ladies bars and hookah pubs in the state have been named under several top authorities that includes, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta.
According to a report by a national daily, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta’s name, address, PAN details have been used by unknown people to obtain the certificates. The reports also state, according to the documents received by the BMC, the commissioner Ajoy Mehta has got the certificate to start the hookah parlor under the ease of doing business policy. On the other hand, the chief minister has one certificate for the ladies bar and restaurant.
The certificates under the name of these top officials went viral on social media on Wednesday that has also left another concern regarding data theft in the state. Ironically, all these come when the hookah parlors are banned in the state. Though there’s no clarity on ladies bar and restaurant.
The issuing of registration certificates for businesses was started by the BNC in April 2018.
The BMC officials have admitted that the certificates belong to the BMC system that only requires name, address, nature of the business, PAN, number of employees and email address. The report states that the BMC has lodges police complaints against the unknown persons for using the chief minister and BMC commissioner’s details for uploading forged documents to obtain certificates.
There are several loopholes in the system that has come to light in the last few months. They claimed one of the most concerning loopholes that people were given certificates without any verification.
As per a report, CM and Mehta cases got the certificates on 24th August 2018 where Mehta’s certificate was issued under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishment Act, 1948, with his address as “municipal head office, second floor” that is his office address. Meanwhile, the certificate with Devendra Fadnavis as the employer for “nature of the business” “Ladies Bar and Restaurant” has postal address mentioned as Varsha in Malabar Hill- the official residence of the chief minister.
However, an official of the BMC has defended the claims and said that the certificate mention they are just registration certificates and not licenses.
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