In a significant move aimed at the business community, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presided over the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Punjab State Traders Commission. The event, held in Mohali on Thursday, marked a firm commitment from the state's ruling party to address long-standing grievances of traders and shopkeepers.
A New Era for Punjab's Traders
During the meeting, both leaders strongly asserted that the commission's primary goal is to ensure that shopkeepers no longer have to run from office to office to get their issues resolved. Kejriwal, who comes from a trading family himself, emphasized his personal understanding of the sector's challenges. He stated that the commission, which was officially set up on October 16 last year, is designed to simplify the tax system, eliminate what he termed "tax terrorism," and remove unnecessary procedural hurdles that stifle business.
Direct Assault on 'Tax Terrorism'
Arvind Kejriwal did not mince words when criticizing the current tax regime. He described various levies as a form of harassment, stating, "They remember you only during elections, to extract money in the name of donations, and throughout the five years to take bribes." He contrasted the AAP government's approach with that of others, claiming, "All govts consider traders to be thieves, but we do not think like that."
While acknowledging the limitations of state power over central taxes, Kejriwal made a bold political promise. "The Centre extracts money through taxes. An entire GST regime exists, and we cannot change it right now. I pray that one day our govt is formed at the Centre and we free you from GST," he told the assembled traders.
Mann Highlights Political Contrast
Echoing Kejriwal's sentiments, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp critique against traditional political parties. He alleged that while politicians from these parties amassed massive personal wealth, the hardworking traders and shopkeepers of Punjab were left struggling with meagre earnings. This framing positions the AAP as the sole pro-trader alternative in the state's political landscape.
The Punjab State Traders Commission has a clear mandate to resolve critical issues. Its key focus areas include:
- Resolving tax compliance problems, especially legacy VAT cases.
- Addressing procedural challenges in day-to-day business operations.
- Fostering a genuinely pro-business and investment-friendly environment in Punjab.
The establishment of this dedicated body represents a direct policy intervention by the AAP government to win the confidence of a vital segment of the state's economy, promising a more supportive and less adversarial relationship between traders and the administration.
