Singhbhum Chamber Secures Refunds for Shopkeepers After Protest
Key Points:
- Chamber protests JNAC fine collection from Sakchi footpath vendors
- Around two dozen shopkeepers got their money refunded
- Chamber demands clarity on footpath and vending zones first
JAMSHEDPUR – Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce strongly opposed Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee’s fine collection drive against vendors in Sakchi market on Monday. The Chamber intervened and ensured refunds for nearly two dozen shopkeepers.
The incident began when JNAC staff collected fines from shopkeepers for allegedly operating on footpaths. However, vendors claimed no designated footpath had been created for them. Chamber official and businessman Abhishek Kumar, also known as Goldy, objected to the move.
He stated that traders cannot be forced to pay both taxes and fines. According to him, JNAC must first define footpath areas and vending zones before penalizing shopkeepers. Meanwhile, he added that the Chamber is ready to cooperate if JNAC organizes camps for issuing trade licenses.
However, the Chamber made it clear that resistance against arbitrary fine collection will continue. The protest highlighted growing discontent among local traders against JNAC’s actions in the busy Sakchi marketplace.
