Srinagar, October 2: AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi congratulated the newly elected office-bearers of the Batamallo Traders’ Association, including President Abrar Ahmad Khan, General Secretary Wasim Ahmad Khan and Senior Vice President Mehraj U Din Ganai and urged them to work collectively for the welfare of the trading community.
Addressing a felicitation programme organised in honour of the newly elected leadership, Inam Un Nabi said the very essence of democracy lies in giving people the right to choose their representatives on the basis of their performance.
He said elected representatives, in turn, have a responsibility to live up to the expectations of those who have placed their trust in them.
Inam Un Nabi also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability within traders’ and business associations. He said shopkeepers’ associations, traders’ bodies, chambers and other representative organisations should periodically disclose their income and expenditure, preferably every six months or at least annually.
He also opposed the practice of collecting commission from shopkeepers for resolving their issues, calling it an unacceptable practice that must stop. “The shopkeepers elect these representatives, and it is their responsibility to address their genuine concerns. If a trader has to pay a commission to get his own issue resolved, then what is the purpose of representation?” he questioned.
Calling for greater unity among the business community, Inam Un Nabi proposed the creation of a common platform for traders and business associations.
He said multiple associations approaching government officers, elected representatives or authorities separately on similar issues often creates confusion and weakens the collective voice of traders.
“If we are genuinely serious about resolving the problems of the business community, we must speak with one united and coordinated voice. A common platform can ensure that the concerns of traders are presented clearly and collectively before the administration and political leadership,” he said.
