First a little history, in August 2007 I had submitted my dad's license for renewal (Due for September 2007 expiry), after it was renewed I noticed that the date of next renewal was not a full 3 years(it should have been september 2010) but was infact December 2009. When I checked with the Arms Clerk he said that a policy decision had been made regarding the reduction of renewal period from 3 years 2 years.
That still did'nt explain why my dad got 2 years and 3 months between renewals.
Anyway, I mentioned this to a relative of mine and he explained that due to a large number of licensees not renewing their licenses on time, the DCP's office was doing this, also he mentioned that if all the licenses came up for renewal in the same calender year it would be easy to remember. (How the offices would handle the paperwork and verification process for everyone at the same time beats me.) I assumed that to be a temporary thing.
Now my Arms License (All India) is due for renewal in February 2009 and I checked with the arms clerk again and he said the 2 year renewal period was still in place. I pressed in asking if speaking to the officer(DCP) and requesting for a full 3 years would help, and he said that the "Rule" was equally applicable to everyone, so it would not help.
I am now thinking of having the license renewed by the Home Department (do they even do renewals?)if that's going to make any difference. I do know that the Licensing Authority can vary the time between renewals but this seems absurd in applying to those who a renew on time.
Anyone have any inputs on this??
Anand
I don't really know anyone very well who has long gun license in Mumbai.
