UditVani, Jamshedpur : More than 7,700 shopkeepers operating in the city’s historic Sairat markets are closely watching the next move of the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) amid an ongoing dispute over a sharp increase in shop rents.
Traders’ organisations have intensified their protest and recently submitted a memorandum to the JNAC Deputy Municipal Commissioner demanding withdrawal of the revised rent structure.
Century-old markets at the centre of dispute
The Sairat markets, considered the commercial backbone of Jamshedpur, are nearly 110–115 years old.
These markets consist of shops built on government land and leased to traders under a rent or licence system. While shopkeepers run businesses from these premises, the ownership of the shops rests with the urban local body.
There are 10 major Sairat markets in the city, spread across nearly 57 acres of government land, housing more than 7,700 shops.
Among them, Sakchi and Bistupur are regarded as the largest and oldest trading hubs.
Sakchi market alone accounts for nearly 47 per cent of the total Sairat shops.
Major Sairat Markets in Jamshedpur
* Sakchi: 3,644 shops
* Bistupur: 1,640 shops
* Baridih: 606 shops
* Kadma: 567 shops
* Golmuri: 347 shops
* Burmamines: 306 shops
* Sidhgora: 280 shops
* Sonari: 233 shops
* Manifit/Kalimati: 52 shops
* Dhatkidih: 43 shops
Management transferred to JNAC in 2022
For decades, the management of these markets was handled by the land department of Tata Steel.
In April 2022, after the company issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC), the responsibility of managing the markets and collecting rent was transferred entirely to the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC).
The move was aimed at ensuring that revenue generated from these commercial properties would go directly to the municipal body and could be used for urban development and civic infrastructure.
Rent revision sparks controversy
During the period when the markets were managed by Tata Steel, the rents were based on decades-old norms.
Most shopkeepers paid between Rs 30 and Rs 300 per month.
However, after taking over the management, JNAC proposed a new rent structure based on square footage and market value, resulting in a dramatic increase. In several cases, monthly rents reportedly rose to Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000, triggering strong opposition from traders across the city.
Following protests, the administration temporarily put the revised rent structure on hold.
Committee formed, digital survey underway
On the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner, a committee has been constituted to frame a new rent policy.
Meanwhile, JNAC has started a digital survey of shops, assigning each unit a six-digit unique shop ID, which must be displayed prominently in front of the shop.
Under the proposed system, shops may be categorised into three groups:
* Category A: Shops located on main roads
* Category B: Shops situated on internal roads connected to the main road
* Category C: Shops located in less busy or interior sections of the markets
Traders submit memorandum to JNAC
Amid growing resentment, a delegation of the Jamshedpur All Market Association, led by president Harvinder Singh Mantu and general secretary Naseem Ansari, met the JNAC Deputy Municipal Commissioner on Friday and submitted a memorandum.
The association questioned the basis of the rent hike and demanded that the decision be withdrawn immediately.
The traders also asked the administration to clarify under which rules and orders the rent revision was carried out.
The Deputy Municipal Commissioner assured the delegation that a copy of the relevant order would be provided by Monday and said the traders’ concerns would be forwarded to senior officials.
Traders have alleged that the rent was increased and collection began without prior notice, adding that such a steep hike would place a heavy financial burden on small businesses.
