Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann Assure Punjab Traders of Hassle-Free Governance at State Traders Commission Meet

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday assured traders and shopkeepers across Punjab that they would no longer be forced to run from office to office to get their issues resolved, as the state government will now reach markets directly through the newly formed Punjab State Traders Commission.

Addressing the maiden meeting of the commission held in SAS Nagar, Kejriwal said the initiative marked a decisive break from years of bureaucratic neglect and harassment faced by traders under previous governments. He stressed that protecting small shopkeepers and ensuring ease of doing business was essential for the country's economic progress.

"No nation can progress unless its small shopkeepers and traders are protected. Governments have traditionally treated traders as thieves, subjecting them to tax terrorism, harassment and endless paperwork," Kejriwal said, adding that the AAP government aims to simplify the tax system, make it transparent and trader-friendly, and eliminate unnecessary procedural hurdles.

'End of Tax Terrorism', Says Kejriwal

Kejriwal alleged that traders across the country were squeezed by governments through taxes while political parties sought donations during elections. "On one hand, traders are harassed through taxation, and on the other, they are pressured for donations. We do not see traders as thieves. I come from a trading family and understand the struggles of shopkeepers," he said.

He announced that trader commissions would function at state, district and constituency levels, with local traders working alongside police and administration officials. These bodies will hold meetings in markets to identify individual, market-level and policy-related problems, many of which, Kejriwal said, would be resolved on the spot.

Local issues such as broken roads, sanitation, drinking water shortages, parking difficulties and law-and-order concerns would be prioritised, while policy-level recommendations would be forwarded to the state government for quick action.

'Shopkeepers Are True Patriots': CM Mann

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann termed shopkeepers "true patriots" who serve the country by driving the economy. He said the commission would ensure the welfare, dignity and protection of traders, something previous governments failed to deliver.

"This is a unique initiative that has never happened in Punjab before. Traders were earlier left to struggle while politicians amassed wealth. Our government is committed to serving people, not exploiting them," Mann said.

Highlighting governance reforms, the Chief Minister said over 61,000 youth have been given jobs on merit, more than 17 toll plazas have been closed, saving citizens nearly ₹64 lakh daily, and unused toll offices will now be converted into Aam Aadmi Clinics.

Mann urged traders to prepare a roadmap for Punjab's economic growth, assuring them that rising government revenues would be used judiciously for public welfare and development.

Manish Sisodia: Traders Now Part of Governance

Senior AAP leader and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia said the prosperity of traders depends on the intent of the government, and for the first time, traders are being empowered to help fix the system from within.

"The members of this commission understand traders' problems because they come from the same background. Now, traders won't have to chase officials - the government will come to their doorsteps," Sisodia said, adding that the model could become a blueprint for trader welfare across the country.

The meeting was attended by several cabinet ministers, including Aman Arora, Harpal Cheema and Sanjeev Arora, along with representatives from market associations and trade bodies across Punjab.

AAP leaders said the first round of meetings across Punjab's markets would be completed within three months, with immediate redressal of local issues and policy reforms to follow at the state level.