A delegation of commission agents (arhtiyas) from Punjab, particularly those associated with grain markets, met Union leaders in Delhi demanding restoration of the pending 2.5% commission fixed by the government.
The delegation, led by Vijay Kalra, State President of the Federation of Associations, included State Vice President Manbir Singh Randhawa, President of the Amritsar Arhtiya Association Amandeep Singh Chhina, Chairman Gurbinder Singh Mamaneke, Gurdev Singh Chheharta, Sahib Singh Bhura, and Manjinder Singh Jandiala, among others.
During the meeting, the delegation submitted a memorandum to Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, outlining their demands. Senior BJP leaders including Tarun Chugh and Sunil Jakhar were also present.
The representatives informed the minister that commission agents are legally entitled to a 2.5% commission. However, since 2019-20, the full payment has reportedly not been made. According to Amandeep Singh Chhina, the commission amounts to ₹65 per quintal at 2.5%, but agents are receiving only ₹45 per quintal, effectively around 1.5%.
They stated that the reduced payment has caused significant financial losses to commission agents across Punjab. The delegation urged the central government to intervene and ensure immediate restoration of the full commission.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi assured the delegation that their concerns would be addressed at the earliest. BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar and Tarun Chugh also discussed the issue and expressed support for resolving the matter.
Several other representatives, including Avtar Singh Guraya, Sameer Jonu, Kuldeep Singh Kasel, Jagtar Singh Dhuri, Sukhi Khanna, Bobby Danwalia, Sucha Singh, and Dhanraj Bajwa, were present during the meeting.
The commission issue remains a major concern for Punjab’s grain market stakeholders, and agents are now awaiting concrete action from the central authorities.
