Haryana/Ambala: A felicitation ceremony was organized at the new vegetable market in Ambala City in honor of Rajesh Thakral, the newly appointed Chairman of the Haryana Traders' Welfare Board. The event was presided over by Market President Amarnath Birla, while Harish Dhamija, Chairman of the Haryana Vegetable Market Association, attended as the guest of honor. Commission agents (arhatiyas) of the market accorded a grand welcome to both guests, honoring them with turbans, shawls, and floral garlands.
Addressing the gathering, Harish Dhamija stated that the state's commission agents no longer need to fear any form of unnecessary administrative pressure. He noted that Rajesh Thakral has long championed the interests of the trading community. In 2021, Thakral facilitated a meeting between commission agents and the then Chief Minister (and current Union Minister) Manohar Lal, paving the way for the 'lump-sum market fee' system. Subsequently, the lump-sum fee was implemented, and the market fee rate was reduced from 2 percent to 1 percent. He also highlighted Thakral's pivotal role in capping the annual increase in the lump-sum fee at 5 percent instead of 15 percent. Furthermore, a notification issued on January 21, 2025, provided relief to agents opting for the lump-sum fee system from the unnecessary burden of maintaining stock registers and other related records.
In his address, Rajesh Thakral stated that he has always prioritized social service and the welfare of the trading community. He affirmed his commitment to living up to the trust placed in him by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who entrusted him with the responsibility of the Traders' Welfare Board. He acknowledged being well-versed in the issues faced by traders and emphasized that resolving them is his top priority; specifically, efforts would be made to quickly address the issue regarding sheds in the market. He assured the gathering that he would remain steadfastly committed to resolving any problems faced by the trading community.
At the conclusion of the event, Market President Amarnath Birla expressed his gratitude to all the guests and the commission agents present. A large number of commission agents—including Shiv Chandra Tuli, Tilak Raj, Sunil Kumar, Krishan Lal, Mohanjeet Singh Dhamija, Ashu Bajaj, Harbhajan Singh, Sonu Dua, Shyam Lal, Shubham, and Mukesh—were present on the occasion. Additionally, Gulshan Kalra (Vice Chairman of the Ambala Market Committee), Balkar Singh (Joint Secretary), and Jaipal (Supervisor) participated in the event and welcomed the guests.