In a move designed to support the business community and streamline commercial processes, the Bhagwant Mann government has decided to set up a Punjab Trade Commission. Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation, and Planning Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the decision reflects the administration’s intent to make governance more efficient and accessible for small traders, shopkeepers and entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the state’s economy.
Explaining the purpose of the new body, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The key objective of the Commission is to ensure that traders no longer have to run pillar to post for routine approvals, departmental clearances and day-to-day business-related work. For years, small traders and shopkeepers have been forced to waste valuable time moving between multiple offices even for minor issues. This must change, and this government is determined to change it.”
He added, “The Punjab Trade Commission will act as a dedicated platform to save the time, effort and money of the trading community. It will provide a faster and smoother resolution mechanism for their issues, with a structured system, clear accountability and time-bound solutions so that problems are not left hanging indefinitely.”
As part of preparations, consultations and review meetings have already been conducted across several districts including Faridkot, Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Moga, Malerkotla, Patiala, Roopnagar, Sangrur, Barnala and Bathinda. Officials, local administrations and representatives of trade bodies discussed implementation plans and coordination at the district level to ensure the commission functions effectively once established.
Highlighting the importance of the trading sector, the minister said, “Traders and small businesses are the backbone of the state’s economy. Our government is fully committed to building a Punjab where honest business people can focus on expanding their work instead of getting stuck in paperwork, delays and unnecessary harassment.”
Reaffirming the government’s intent, he concluded, “The Punjab Trade Commission will be formed with the spirit of public service, transparency and ease of doing business. Under one platform, traders will receive support, guidance and quick solutions, ensuring that governance works for them, not against them.”
