India, April 11 -- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has raised the trade licence fee across all categories by 15%, officials said on Thursday, a move that has triggered strong backlash from traders across the city.

The hike comes on the heels of a controversial decision to impose a garbage user fee on both residential and commercial properties for waste collection - another move that has drawn criticism from residents and business owners, who cite poor sanitation services and mounting financial strain.

Municipal officials defended the hike, saying it aligns with policy changes introduced after the 2022 unification of the erstwhile north, south, and east Delhi municipal corporations.

The revised licence rates apply across sector...