The Punjab Government has directed all departments to resolve trader grievances within one week, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s business environment and improve engagement with the trading community.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema chaired a high-level review meeting of the Punjab State Traders Commission (PSTC) on Friday and issued a series of directives aimed at accelerating grievance redressal and enhancing coordination between government departments and traders.
The review meeting began with a detailed presentation outlining key developments from previous PSTC meetings and the status of complaints received through the commission’s platforms.
Presiding over the meeting as chairman of the PSTC, Cheema directed all concerned departments to continuously monitor the designated grievance portal and ensure that all complaints are fully resolved within seven days.
To streamline communication and reduce administrative delays, he instructed commission members to establish active WhatsApp communication channels with secretary-level officers. He also mandated the appointment of dedicated nodal officers at the headquarters of all relevant state departments.
Addressing concerns related to security and operational challenges faced by traders, the finance minister directed the Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) to establish a specialised state-level grievance cell within the office of the Special DGP.
Cheema stated that the dedicated cell would ensure that law and order issues affecting traders receive prompt administrative attention and are resolved swiftly.
The minister also stressed the need for stronger communication with the trading community. He directed the Punjab State Traders Commission to ensure that notices for district-level meetings are issued well in advance and receive adequate publicity.
He further emphasised that detailed information regarding such meetings should be widely disseminated to maximise awareness among traders. He added that invitation letters from the Chief Minister should reach traders at least one week before the scheduled meetings.
