Traders Urge Mohol, Misal to Intervene Over APMC User Charge Decision

Pune, 2nd June 2026: Trader associations from across Maharashtra have intensified their opposition to the decision to impose user charges on transactions at Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in Pune, urging the government to authorities withdraw the levy. A delegation of traders on Monday met Union Minister of State for Cooperation and Pune MP Murlidhar Mohol and Maharashtra Minister of State for Urban Development and Social Justice Madhuri Misal, seeking their intervention in the matter.

Office-bearers of the Poona Merchants’ Chamber told the ministers that the additional 1% user charge proposed by Pune APMC would adversely affect local trade, hurt traditional businesses and impose an additional burden on consumers through higher prices.

The delegation included Maharashtra State Traders’ Action Committee coordinator and Poona Merchants’ Chamber president Rajendra Bathia, former president Raikumar Nahar, along with Ishwar Nahar, Pravin Chorbele, Shyam Laddha, Naveen Goyal, Ajit Bora, Kiran Gujar and Dinesh Mehta.

According to the traders, both ministers heard their concerns and assured them that efforts would be made to protect the interests of traders and consumers. They also assured the delegation that the issue would be discussed with the concerned department and the chief minister to arrive at a satisfactory solution.

Speaking after the meeting, Rajendra Bathia said the proposed levy was unjustified and could have far-reaching consequences.

“The additional charge is unfair and detrimental to local trade. If implemented, it will severely affect traditional businesses operating in the market yard. Trade may shift outside the market, while consumers will ultimately bear the burden through higher prices. We have conveyed these concerns to both ministers, who have assured us that they will discuss the matter with the chief minister and work towards a solution,” Bathia said.

The controversy centres on Pune APMC’s decision to impose a 1% user charge on commodities exempt from cess tax. Trader organisations have warned that the move will increase business costs and push up prices of essential commodities, while APMC officials maintain that the levy is legally permissible and necessary to improve infrastructure and services within the market yard.