GOVT LIFTS BAN ON NEW ARMS LICENCES

LUCKNOW: The state government on Monday lifted a ban on the issue of new firearms licences. The new licences will be issued under Arms Rules, 2016.

In an order issued to DMs, secretary, home, Bhagwan Swarup said the licences for purchasing second and third arms will be issued by the DM after he is satisfied.

Victims of crime, traders, businessmen, banks, financial institutions, employees in various departments who are posted in the enforcement cell, soldiers, para-military force personnel, civil police personnel, MLAs, MLCs, MPs as well as state/ national/international level shooters will be given priority in issuance of arms licences.

The state level committee and the divisional committees constituted for granting approval for the licences for second, third weapon, as well as rifle, have been dissolved. The test conducted for the arms licence applicant has been annulled as well. Now the applicant will not have to take a test to get an arms training certificate.

The number of cartridges issued to the licence holder has been increased. An arms licence holder will get 100 cartridges at a time and 200 annually. The licence will be cancelled in cases of celebratory firing.

The licencee will have to submit a photo copy of identity proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID card etc) for purchasing firearms and cartridges. To check misuse of arms licences, the DMs and SPs will conduct surprise checks.

To maintain uniformity across the state in issuing licences, the state home department has issued a three- page checklist for the DMs.