Jalandhar, June 13: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, on Saturday held a direct interaction with traders, shopkeepers and business owners during a meeting of the Punjab State Traders Commission (PSTC) in Jalandhar. The event witnessed participation from representatives of trader associations and market committees from across Punjab.
The meeting was organised to gather feedback from the trading community and discuss issues affecting small and medium businesses. Addressing the gathering, both leaders reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to creating a trader-friendly environment and ensuring that business-related concerns are resolved through dialogue, transparency and responsive governance.
Small Traders Are the Real Backbone of Punjab’s Economy: Arvind Kejriwal
Addressing a large gathering of traders, Arvind Kejriwal said that while governments often focus on large industrial investments and corporate projects, the real strength of Punjab’s economy lies in its small traders and shopkeepers.
“Every government talks about economic growth and investment, but very few acknowledge the contribution of small traders. They are the real backbone of Punjab’s economy. Despite this, their issues have historically been ignored,” he said.
Recalling his childhood experiences, Kejriwal shared that he spent summer vacations at his grandfather’s home, where his family operated a small grocery store. Those experiences, he said, helped him understand the day-to-day struggles faced by small business owners.
Punjab State Traders Commission Created to Address Traders’ Problems
Explaining the purpose of the Punjab State Traders Commission, Kejriwal said the platform was established to ensure that the concerns of traders reach the highest levels of government.
He informed that commissions have been formed at the state, district and constituency levels, and meetings are being held across nearly 800 markets throughout Punjab.
“Whether the issue is damaged roads, exposed electricity wires, non-functional streetlights, sanitation problems, drinking water shortages or other civic concerns, every complaint is documented and forwarded directly to the Chief Minister’s Office. A dedicated team monitors the resolution of these issues,” he said.
According to Kejriwal, the commission represents a governance model where even the smallest concern of a trader receives government attention.
Government Has Ended Harassment and Extortion of Traders
The AAP National Convenor claimed that previous governments allowed a culture of extortion and harassment to flourish, causing difficulties for traders and industrialists.
“Under our government, no trader is forced to pay extortion money. We have ended the system of harassment and are committed to running an honest administration,” he said.
He added that the Punjab Government views traders as partners in economic growth rather than merely a source of revenue.
Strong Action Against Gangsters and Drug Networks
Highlighting law and order initiatives, Kejriwal said that when the AAP Government came to power, Punjab faced serious challenges from organized crime and drug trafficking.
He stated that extensive action had been taken against gangster networks, leading to the arrest and deportation of several wanted criminals from foreign countries.
“We have dismantled a large part of the gangster ecosystem. For the first time in Punjab’s history, gangsters operating from abroad have been brought back through international coordination and made to face the law,” he said.
On the issue of drugs, Kejriwal said Punjab Police continues to intensify action against drug smugglers, traffickers and financial networks involved in the narcotics trade. Recent action against hawala operators, he noted, is part of the broader anti-drug strategy.
Punjab Has Entered a New Era of Transparent Governance: CM Bhagwant Mann
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab has witnessed a major transformation in governance over the past four years.
He stated that unlike previous governments, the AAP Government has the confidence to engage directly with citizens and seek feedback regarding its performance.
“People across Punjab are expressing satisfaction with the work being done by the government. This motivates us to work even harder for public welfare and economic development,” he said.
Traders Are Job Creators, Not Job Seekers
Describing traders as a crucial pillar of Punjab’s economy, the Chief Minister said small business owners create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to economic growth.
“Traders are not job seekers; they are job creators. The role of the government is to facilitate their growth, not to create obstacles for them,” Mann said.
He added that previous governments often treated traders merely as a source of taxation and political funding, whereas the current government is focused on solving their problems and creating a supportive business environment.
Key Achievements Highlighted by the Chief Minister
During his address, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted several achievements of the Punjab Government, including:
- Nearly 90% of households receiving free electricity.
- More than 67,000 government jobs provided on the basis of merit and transparency.
- Expansion of canal irrigation coverage from around 22% to over 80% of cultivable land.
- Significant improvements in groundwater levels in several regions.
- More than 2,700 lives saved through the Sadak Surakhya Force initiative.
Call for Unity and Development
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged people to reject divisive politics and support development-oriented governance.
“Punjab’s future lies in progress, employment, education, business growth and social harmony. Our government remains committed to serving every section of society with honesty, transparency and accountability,” he said.
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema and Mohinder Bhagat, along with several other dignitaries, were also present at the event.
