Tamil Nadu government announced that May 5, hitherto observed informally by Tamil Nadu Traders’ Associations, will be officially recognised as Traders’ Day in state. Government Order (G.O.) to this effect will issue, meeting a long-standing demand of trading community.
Other Initiatives for Traders’ Welfare in Tamil Nadu
- Self-Certification Trade Licences:
- Businesses in premises up to 500 sq ft, not engaged in food sale or service, may obtain trade licences via self-certification, eliminating prior application vetting.
- 24-Hour Shop Opening Extended:
- Existing order permitting shops and commercial units to operate 24×7, extended for three more years, beyond its original expiry of 4 June 2025.
- Dispute Resolution Advisory Committees:
- Building on 2024 committees for Municipal Corporations, similar bodies will be constituted for the Greater Chennai Corporation, town panchayats, and rural local bodies to mediate commercial disputes.
- Enhanced Single Window Services:
- Following success of Tamil Nadu Single Window Portal, 22 services (including commercial licences and shop/eatery registrations)to made easily accessible to small traders.
- Nameboard Fee Waiver
- Charge No fees, for nameboards up to 9 sq m in area. Traders urged to adopt Tamil names or display Tamil nameboards alongside English.
- Grievance Redressal Panels
- Establish Panels in the Greater Chennai Corporation and town panchayats to address grievances of commercial establishments.
- Enhanced Family Benefit Fund
- The Tamil Nadu Traders Welfare Board will raise the death-benefit payment from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
- Deadline for fee-free registration with the Board extended by six months.