Among 900 Shopkeepers, 177 Merchants Accused of Encroachment; Several Influential Names Also Under Scrutiny
Reinstate the 1% Toll Tax; Only Then Will the Market Committee’s Management Improve — Merchants’ Opinion
Ranchi: A ground-zero report conducted by a correspondent from M Bharat 24 News Live at the Pandara market complex has brought to light several startling facts. In this market complex, which houses approximately 900 shopkeepers, it has emerged that 177 merchants have encroached upon the areas surrounding their shops. Among those implicated are reportedly individuals who serve as board members of the Market Committee, President of merchant, related to chamber, nominated members of board and, influential merchants within the community.
Local merchants state that prior to 2014—when the Market Committee used to collect a 1% toll tax or market fee—the management of the complex was comparatively better. However, following the abolition of the toll tax and the cessation of this additional revenue stream, the Market Committee reportedly ceased prioritizing maintenance and security. Several merchants have demanded that if the 1% market fee were to be reinstated, the Market Committee’s financial health would improve, leading to better overall management and facilities.
What the Merchants Said
T-2: Sunil Kumar
Sunil Kumar explained that he had chosen to rent his shop specifically because of the attached veranda. He noted that the veranda is used for drying potatoes and onions, and a gate was installed to prevent theft during the night. He added that he has been conducting business at this location since 2008.
T-3: Anil Kumar
Anil Kumar asserted that he has not engaged in any wrongdoing on his part. He alleged that complaints regarding a leaking roof were submitted to the Market Committee on multiple occasions, yet no repairs have been carried out to date.
T-4, T-13, & T-14: Madan Prasad
Madan Prasad stated that the shops were originally allotted with an accompanying open veranda. He explained that the veranda was enclosed to protect merchandise from theft and stray animals. He further declared that he is willing to pay rent for the additional space currently deemed to be under encroachment.
“All Shopkeepers Are Ready to Pay Rent”
Madan Prasad, President of the Terminal Market Yard, stated that the majority of the shopkeepers are willing to pay rent for the additional space they occupy.
T-5: Prince identified the security arrangement within the Market Committee premises as the most significant issue and demanded that the administration pay special attention to security matters.
Shopkeepers of T-6
They stated that verandas had originally been constructed for the storage of potatoes and onions. Protective enclosures were subsequently erected to safeguard against theft. They noted that the closure of the Chungi (octroi post) had led to a decline in the Market Committee's revenue, consequently impacting maintenance activities.
T-7: Ajay Prakash
Ajay Prakash remarked that, over time, the shops have become too small to meet current requirements. Channel gates have been installed to prevent theft. He also expressed his willingness to pay rent for any additional space provided.
Shopkeepers of T-8
They could not be reached during the reporting process.
T-9, T-10, and T-11: Ramashankar Sahu
Ramashankar Sahu informed us that shop numbers 10 and 12 have been allotted to him. He stated that protective enclosures were constructed to guard against theft and stray animals.
T-12: Shankar Kumar
Shankar Kumar explained that, due to persistent issues involving theft and stray animals, they were compelled to erect protective enclosures for security purposes.
T-15 and T-16
The shops were found closed at the time of reporting.
The Big Question
Following this ground report, the most pressing question now arises: if these encroachments are indeed illegal, why has no action been taken against them for so many years? Is the delay in taking action attributable to the influence of powerful individuals, or are the Market Committee's financial constraints and administrative apathy the primary reasons behind it?
The traders are demanding that security, maintenance, sanitation, and regular oversight be ensured so that the Pandara Market Committee can once again be restored as an organized commercial hub.
