12 Years in Possession? Punjab shopkeepers can now claim ownership of their shops, apply by Nov 6; Details Inside
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 8, 2026: Punjab shopkeepers who have been legally occupying rented or leased shops under municipal bodies for at least 12 years can now apply for ownership rights under the state government’s newly launched ‘Meri Dukan, Mere Naam’ scheme.
Local Government Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the scheme on Thursday, saying eligible shopkeepers must be able to establish 12 years of legal possession before April 1, 2020.
Who can apply?
The scheme covers shops located under Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats. Applications can be submitted at the concerned local body offices by November 6, 2026.
The process will involve scrutiny by an SDM-level committee, while a DC-level committee will determine the price. The concerned local body will then pass the required resolution.
How much will shopkeepers have to pay?
For shops measuring less than 50 square metres, the amount payable will depend on the applicant’s annual income and the Collector rate of the area:
- EWS: Annual income below ₹3 lakh — 12.5% of Collector rate
- LIG: ₹3 lakh to ₹8 lakh — 25%
- MIG: ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh — 50%
- Above ₹15 lakh: 100% of Collector rate
The concessional rates are applicable only to shops measuring less than 50 square metres.
Who is excluded?
The government has specified that sub-tenants will not be eligible under the scheme. Shops or structures located on parks, streets or public utilities will also not be regularised.
The government said applicants will not be required to follow a complicated documentation process. Valid documents establishing occupation or possession, including GST certificates, electricity bills and voter cards, can be submitted as proof.
The scheme is intended to provide legal ownership to eligible small traders who have operated from municipal shops on rent or lease for years without proprietary rights.
The deadline for applications is November 6, 2026.