Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL) has unveiled a series of reforms aimed at improving the livelihoods of small shopkeepers in the township, a move expected to significantly strengthen the local economy. According to AK Singh, General Manager of TA - LRA, these initiatives focus on addressing long-standing challenges faced by vendors such as Gumti and Telephone Booth operators, while fostering a more business-friendly environment.
One of the key measures includes the introduction of a barcode identification system, which will enhance transparency by requiring shopkeepers to display their license numbers prominently. To ensure financial stability for families reliant on these businesses, licenses will now be transferable to legal heirs. Additionally, the standard size of shops for specific trades will be increased to 10x12 feet, providing more space to support business growth based on feasibility. As part of the reforms, all Gumtis and Telephone Booths will be repainted in blue and pink, creating a uniform and organized appearance across the township.
In a significant modernization step, BSL will provide regulated electricity connections for roadside vendors, who have long depended on unauthorized sources. Shopkeepers will now have access to legal power connections ranging from 2KW to 5KW, with mandatory underground wiring to ensure safety. Singh emphasized that this initiative empowers small vendors to operate more sustainably while adhering to safety standards and compliance.
The reforms are designed to prioritize livelihood protection and economic security for small businesses. Structured rent payments, streamlined processes for license renewals and relocations, and safeguards for vendors’ rights are expected to provide financial predictability and peace of mind. Singh stated that these initiatives reflect BSL’s commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting inclusivity within the community.
With these comprehensive reforms, BSL is laying the foundation for a more organized and inclusive economic ecosystem in Bokaro Steel City. By empowering small shopkeepers and aligning their growth with the township's industrial development, the company is creating opportunities for a brighter and more cohesive future, addressing a long-standing concern of uncertainty that has often plagued small shopkeepers in the past.
