Singhbhum Chamber protests proposed Agricultural Market Committee Fee

• Torchlight Procession to Be Held by Chamber on September 1 
• Traders to Stage Protest Wearing Black Badges on September 4

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, August 30: The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a critical meeting on August 30 to protest the Jharkhand Government’s proposed Agricultural Produce and Livestock Promotion Bill (Market Committee Fee). The bill, aimed at imposing additional fees on food grain traders, has ignited strong opposition from the business community.

During the meeting, Chamber President Vijay Anand Moonka and Honorary General Secretary Manav Kedia voiced their strong objections to the proposed fee, citing past instances where similar measures were successfully opposed. Moonka highlighted that the imposition of this bill would exacerbate corruption and inflation, negatively impacting the general public. He emphasized that the Chamber will continue to resist the bill, asserting that food grain traders across Jharkhand are united in their opposition.

Vyapar Mandal President Deepak Bhalotia also expressed solidarity with the Chamber’s stance, promising a unified protest against the bill. If the bill is enforced, Bhalotia warned of a potential large-scale movement.

In response to the proposed fee, Singhbhum Chamber Vice President Anil Modi announced planned actions. On September 1, food grain traders will conduct a torch procession from the Chamber to Main Road Bistupur to protest the bill. Additionally, on September 4, traders will meet with Jharkhand’s Agriculture Minister Smt. Deepika Pandey Singh in Ranchi, wearing black badges to demonstrate their dissent. If the bill proceeds, Modi warned of a complete and indefinite shutdown of operations in Awak.

Chamber Secretary Bharat Makani urged traders to participate in the torch procession, aiming to deliver a strong message to the government. The Chamber remains steadfast in its commitment to defend traders’ interests and ensure their voices are heard.