The Punjab State Traders' Commission raised several critical issues affecting traders in Amritsar and Tarn Taran districts during a meeting with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The meeting, chaired by Cheema, was also attended by Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains, commission vice-chairman Anil Thakur, senior officials, and representatives from various departments.
Key Concerns Highlighted
Sheetal Juneja, a member of the commission and in-charge of the Majha zone, presented a range of concerns. He urged the government to resolve the issue of increased rent impacting approximately 1,200 to 1,400 shops. Juneja also called for the mutation of shops in the IDH Market and demanded adequate compensation for shopkeepers who suffered losses in the Ram Bagh Market fire incident.
Fish Market Dispute and Hotel Regularisation
Juneja raised the long-standing fish market dispute and requested a swift resolution through discussions with wholesale fish traders. Additionally, he demanded that nearly 800 hotels operating in the Walled City area of Amritsar be regularised under a one-time settlement scheme.
EDF Charges and NOC Process
The commission also called for a reduction in the External Development Fund (EDF) charges imposed by PUDA on colonisers and sought a simpler process for issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) to plot holders. Juneja stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of traders in both urban and rural areas of Amritsar and Tarn Taran to promote business growth.
Government Assurance
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema discussed the issues with the concerned officials during the meeting and assured the traders that necessary steps would be taken to address their genuine demands. He added that the government remains committed to resolving traders' concerns and creating a business-friendly environment across Punjab.
