Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 11: Senior BJP leader and MLA Bahu Constituency, Vikram Randhawa, has strongly urged the Government to grant freehold right of shops to the traders of Fruit Mandi Narwal, recognizing their crucial role in Jammu’s economy.
He emphasized that the livelihood of thousands of traders and farmers is dependent on the smooth functioning of the Mandi and called for immediate resolution of their long-pending demands.
In this regard, Vikram Randhawa today chaired a meeting of Fruit Mandi Association at its office chamber in Narwal. The meeting was attended by Association president Parveen Kumar Gupta, vice president Atul Gyai, general secretary Nitin Jain, secretary Rajesh Gupta, and treasurer Ashok Gupta. They also submitted a memorandum to the MLA, highlighting their key concerns.
The Association apprised the MLA of the urgent need for the extension of leasehold rights for the shops allocated to them in the Fruit Market Narwal. They stressed that the extension is not only vital for business stability but also essential for maintaining employment opportunities within the region.
They informed Randhawa that the fruit and vegetable mandi was allotted in a phased manner, with their segment (Fruit Market Phase 1) being allocated in 1981-82 on a leasehold basis for 40 years, with a provision for renewal. However, since the lease period expired in 2021, traders have been raising the issue, yet a satisfactory resolution remains elusive.
Additionally, the Association members highlighted the challenges associated with third-party transfers of leasehold rights, pointing out that many attorney holders are facing difficulties in transferring their leases. They urged the Government to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest. Randhawa gave a patient hearing to the Association’s concerns and assured them of his full support. He urged the Government to take decisive action and grant them freehold rights of their shops to ensure their businesses thrive without bureaucratic hurdles.
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