Punjab Government Approves Rs. 40 Crore Special Fund for Upgradation of Commercial Markets

Ludhiana, August 3, 2026: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening commercial infrastructure across the State, the Punjab Government has approved a special fund of Rs. 40 crore for the development of commercial markets and for addressing the long-pending demands of the trading community.
Welcoming the decision, Punjab State Traders Commission Vice Chairman Anil Thakur expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema for extending dedicated support towards the welfare of traders and the modernization of market infrastructure.
Thakur said that the Punjab State Traders Commission would shortly deliberate upon and take decisions on various policy matters pertaining to traders and shopkeepers in the State.
Highlighting the significance of the newly sanctioned fund, he said it would be utilised for upgrading basic infrastructure in commercial markets across Punjab. The works to be undertaken include construction and renovation of modern public washrooms, construction and repair of roads, resolution of electricity-related issues, and development of other essential civic amenities. He added that these measures would substantially improve the overall market environment and benefit both the trading community and the general public.
Thakur further stated that, for the first time in Punjab, the Government has constituted Assembly Constituency-level and District-level Traders Commissions to address issues faced by traders and shopkeepers at the grassroots level. In addition, the Punjab State Traders Commission, constituted under the chairmanship of the Finance Minister, has been entrusted with engaging directly with the trading community and facilitating the resolution of their concerns through continuous dialogue.
He informed that, under the guidance of the Punjab State Traders Commission, the Assembly Constituency-level and District-level Traders Commissions have so far organised more than 800 meetings with traders across the State. Besides resolving several local issues, these interactions have also paved the way for important policy interventions at the State level. He said the approval of the Rs. 40 crore special fund was a direct outcome of the consistent demand raised by traders during these meetings for strengthening market infrastructure.
Reaffirming the State Government's commitment towards the welfare of traders, promotion of commercial activities and holistic development of markets, Thakur said the special fund marks another progressive step towards creating modern, well-equipped and trader-friendly commercial markets across Punjab. He expressed confidence that the initiative would provide a major boost to business activity while significantly improving civic amenities in commercial areas throughout the State.