CHANDIGARH: Former Municipal Councilor Shakti Prakash Devshali has written a letter to the Administrator of Chandigarh urging the formation of a dedicated Chandigarh Traders Welfare Board. This initiative aims to empower thousands of traders, shopkeepers, and small businesses in the city—the backbone of the local economy—by addressing key challenges in regulation, finance, and social security.
Inspired by successful models such as the National Traders Welfare Board and the recently established Delhi Traders Welfare Board, Devshali emphasized the crucial role of the trading community in job creation and revenue generation, while also drawing attention to persistent obstacles such as complex compliance, limited access to credit, and inadequate welfare schemes.
The key objectives of the proposed Welfare Board include formulating policy measures for the welfare of traders and employees; simplifying acts, rules, and regulations to reduce bureaucratic red tape; easing the compliance burden to encourage business innovation; increasing access to credit through banks and government schemes; implementing social security benefits such as health insurance, pensions, accident coverage, life insurance, and maternity schemes; and serving as a platform to address traders' grievances and emerging issues.
Suggesting the composition of the board, Devshali outlined an inclusive structure comprising a Chairman (a prominent public figure), a Vice-Chairman (from traders' associations), and representatives from trade bodies, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the finance sector, government departments, experts, and employee groups. It would be led by a Member-Secretary for smooth coordination.
Devshali added, "This board will signal the administration's active commitment to the prosperity of our traders, aligning with national welfare initiatives. The time has come to build a more inclusive economy where every shopkeeper can thrive."