Introduction The Meri Dukan Mere Naam Scheme 2026 has been introduced by the Punjab Government through its Department of Local Government. It allows eligible shopkeepers who have legally occupied shops owned by Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils or Nagar Panchayats to apply for ownership rights. Applicants must establish at least 12 years of legal possession before 1 April 2020. The scheme offers different ownership charges according to annual income, while applications are reviewed by the designated committees and municipal authorities. The stated last date to apply is 6 November 2026. Benefits Provides eligible long-term tenants an opportunity to acquire ownership of shops currently held on rent or lease from urban local bodies. Offers income-based concessions on ownership charges linked to the applicable collector rate. Covers qualifying shops under Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across Punjab. Establishes a defined process for application scrutiny, price assessment and approval of ownership transfer. Ownership Charges by Annual Income Annual Income Income Category Ownership Charges Below ₹3 lakh Economically Weaker Section (EWS) 12.5% of the collector rate ₹3 lakh to ₹8 lakh Lower Income Group (LIG) 25% of the collector rate ₹8 lakh to ₹13 lakh Middle Income Group (MIG) 50% of the collector rate Above ₹13 lakh Higher Income Category 100% of the collector rate Note: The collector rate varies by location. The final payable amount is determined by the price-fixation committee at the Deputy Commissioner level. Concessional pricing is stated to apply to shops measuring less than 50 square metres; applicants should confirm the applicable conditions with their local authority. Eligibility Applicants must meet the following conditions to be considered under the Punjab Meri Dukan, Mere Naam Scheme: The applicant must be the lawful tenant or direct legal occupant of a shop owned by a Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council or Nagar Panchayat in Punjab. The applicant must establish at least 12 years of legal possession before 1 April 2020. Valid supporting records must be provided to verify possession and the applicant's claim. Applicants seeking income-based concessions should provide proof of annual family income. For concessional pricing, the shop must meet the stated size condition of less than 50 square metres. The application must be submitted to the concerned SDM Office, Municipal Corporation Office or Municipal Council Office. Who Is Not Eligible? Sub-tenants are excluded; the applicant must be the lawful tenant or allottee in direct possession. Unauthorised or illegal occupants are not eligible under the scheme. Encroachments on parks, streets or public utility land are excluded and will not be regularised under this scheme. Documents Applicants should prepare documents that establish their legal possession, identity and income category. The documents mentioned in scheme-related information include: Proof of legal possession of the shop for 12 years before 1 April 2020. Electricity bill related to the shop. GST registration certificate, where applicable. Firm registration documents, where applicable. Voter ID card. Proof of annual family income for determining the applicable ownership-charge category. Note: The complete official document checklist has not been verified. Contact the concerned municipal office or SDM Office to confirm the prescribed documents and any additional requirements before applying. Process to Apply Applications are to be submitted offline through the relevant local government office. Follow these steps: Visit the SDM Office, Municipal Corporation Office or Municipal Council Office responsible for the shop. Ask for the application form and current instructions for the Meri Dukan, Mere Naam Scheme. Complete the form with the applicant's details, shop information and annual family income category. Attach proof of the required period of legal possession and the available supporting documents. Submit the completed application to the concerned office by 6 November 2026, as stated in the scheme announcement. The SDM-level committee scrutinises the application and supporting records. A committee at the Deputy Commissioner level determines the applicable price based on the collector rate and relevant income category. The proposal is placed before the relevant Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council or Nagar Panchayat House for a final decision. Pay the approved amount and complete the ownership-transfer formalities as directed by the authorities. Applicants should confirm the deadline, application availability and transfer requirements with their local authority before submission. Important Links and Contact Department of Local Government, Punjab: Visit the official department page Punjab E-Nigam Portal: Open the municipal services portal Punjab Municipal Contact Details: View contact information Application Assistance: Contact the concerned SDM Office, Municipal Corporation Office or Municipal Council Office for the application form, eligibility confirmation, document checklist and ownership charges. FAQs Q1. What is the Punjab Meri Dukan, Mere Naam Scheme?It is a Punjab Government initiative that allows eligible long-term tenants of shops owned by urban local bodies to apply for ownership rights. Q2. Who implements the scheme?The scheme is associated with the Department of Local Government, Punjab. Q3. Who can apply for the scheme?Lawful tenants or direct legal occupants of eligible shops owned by Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils or Nagar Panchayats in Punjab may apply, subject to the prescribed conditions. Q4. What is the minimum possession requirement?Applicants must establish at least 12 years of legal possession before 1 April 2020. Q5. What is the last date to apply?The stated deadline is 6 November 2026. Applicants should confirm it with the concerned local authority. Q6. How much ownership charge must an applicant pay?The stated charges range from 12.5% to 100% of the applicable collector rate, depending on annual income. Q7. Are sub-tenants eligible?No. The scheme-related information excludes sub-tenants and specifies that the applicant must be the lawful tenant or allottee in direct possession. Q8. Can unauthorised occupants apply?No. Unauthorised occupants and encroachments on parks, streets or public utility land are excluded. Q9. Which documents are required?Examples include proof of legal possession, an electricity bill, GST certificate where applicable, firm registration, voter ID and proof of annual family income. Confirm the final checklist with the relevant office. Q10. How can an eligible shopkeeper apply?Visit the concerned SDM Office, Municipal Corporation Office or Municipal Council Office, obtain the prescribed form, attach supporting documents and submit the application for verification.