60,000 Arms Licenses Face Cancellation in Bihar, Home Ministry Issues Directives

Approximately 60,000 arms licenses across all districts of Bihar are likely to be canceled. The Union Home Ministry has placed these licenses in the category of termination due to non-renewal. The Home Department has dispatched letters to the District Magistrates (DMs) of all districts regarding this major regulatory action.

Reason for Cancellation: Non-Renewal of Licenses

The primary reason for this widespread cancellation is the failure of license holders to renew their arms licenses. The Home Ministry has adopted a strict stance, directing that all such licenses whose renewal has not been completed should be terminated. This move aims to ensure proper regulation and compliance with arms laws in the state.

Action Against Licenses Without UAPN

Beyond non-renewal, the Home Ministry is also scrutinizing arms licenses that lack a Unique Identification Number (UAPN). There are still 77 such active arms licenses in the state without a UAPN, with the highest number reported in Patna district. A total of 197 such arms across 17 districts have been instructed to be deposited at the nearest police station.

District-wise Impact of the Decision

The impact of this decision is significant across Bihar. Patna district leads with 9633 licenses slated for cancellation. Bhojpur and Rohtas districts each have over 4000 licenses facing termination. The Home Department’s Joint Secretary, Amalendu Kumar Singh, has sent a letter to all DMs, directing them to take necessary action based on the Arms Act, 1959, and Arms Rules, 2016, as available on the Home Ministry’s portal.

Licenses Slated for Cancellation in Various Districts

The number of licenses to be canceled in various districts of Bihar are as follows: