The Regional Trade and Industry Office of Samdrup Jongkhar cancelled 31 business licenses for alleged fronting. The cancelled licenses include some from trade sector, a few from service sector and one expatriate license.
The Regional Director, Karma Drukpa said two more expatriate licenses are under review. He said the expatriate license was cancelled on a mutual understanding.
Karma Drukpa said they came upon the decision, to cancel the licenses, after four meetings with the fronting committee members and license-holders. It took them about six months.
He said the 31 business people were given until July this year to clear their stock and for revenue office to collect business tax.
The director said they have been keeping a close watch on fronting for the last four years and that they will continue to investigate such issue.
Samdrup Jongkhar town has 650 business-license holders, including those of Indian origin, who have registered licenses in their names.