Belgaum: Traders shifted from the Jai Kisan Vegetable Market to the APMC Sunday Market after the cancellation of the market licence have alleged harassment, lack of facilities and mounting pressure from shop owners inside the APMC market complex.
The traders stated that after the Jai Kisan Vegetable Market licence was cancelled, a meeting was held involving the Belgaum Deputy Commissioner, Guardian Minister, MLA representatives and traders. During the meeting, the traders were permitted to continue their business temporarily at the APMC Sunday Market until the final legal verdict.
Although the lower court ruling reportedly went against the traders, they said their legal battle is still continuing and they are prepared to approach the Supreme Court if required. As per the understanding reached during the meeting, the traders shifted to the Sunday Market around seven months ago and have been conducting business there since then.
The traders claimed they are following all rules and are regularly paying 0.6 percent trade fees to the APMC on their business transactions. However, despite paying taxes, they alleged that no proper facilities have been provided at the Sunday Market.
According to the traders, there is a severe shortage of basic amenities including drinking water, sanitation, sheds, parking space and proper security arrangements. They warned that the situation could become even worse during the upcoming monsoon season.
The traders further alleged that despite being officially allowed to conduct business in the Sunday Market area, some shop owners inside the APMC complex are pressuring them to rent permanent shops inside the main market. They claimed that neither the APMC administration nor the district administration has issued any such order, yet pressure tactics and mental harassment are continuing.
Trader leader said nearly 250 traders are associated with the Jai Kisan Vegetable Market. “There are not enough shop units available inside APMC for all traders. The rents being demanded are extremely high, making it impossible for small traders to survive,” he said.
He demanded that proper facilities be provided at the Sunday Market until the court matter is finally resolved.
One trader questioned the administration, asking, “If our business is illegal, then why are farmers still bringing their produce to us?” He claimed that many farmers continue supplying vegetables to Jai Kisan traders because they receive better prices compared to what some shop owners inside APMC offer.
Another trader, , said Jai Kisan traders have been involved in vegetable trade in Belgaum for nearly 60 to 70 years. “Three generations of our families have survived through this business. After the old Killa vegetable market was shut down, we were shifted to APMC. Even now, traders are facing economic exploitation,” he alleged.
He further said traders are being mentally harassed by continuous pressure to rent expensive shops despite already conducting business in the Sunday Market area. According to him, closure of the Jai Kisan Vegetable Market has directly and indirectly affected the livelihood of nearly 10,000 to 15,000 people.
The traders urged the government to understand the ground reality, restore the Jai Kisan Vegetable Market licence and immediately stop the alleged harassment. They also warned of protests if their demands are ignored.
