By Kavita Mistry 
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, during an event hosted by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), proposed relocating the city’s overcrowded markets, including Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar, to new, more spacious locations. This initiative aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by traders in these congested markets and provide them with better opportunities for growth and development.
Improving Trade and Business Environment
CM Gupta stressed that the relocation of these markets is critical for both the traders and the city’s overall trade ecosystem. “Markets like Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar, though historically significant, are too cramped and outdated. The need of the day is to move such markets to more spacious areas that can support better trade conditions and enhance business,” she stated. Gupta highlighted the importance of this shift for both the relief of the traders and the long-term growth of the city’s business environment.
Reiterating the Failures of Previous Governments
In her address, CM Gupta did not miss the opportunity to criticize the previous AAP government, stating that Delhi had “lagged far behind” in the last decade. According to Gupta, the earlier governments lacked vision and intent, focusing more on “fighting and indulging in blame games” than working towards the city’s development.
Support for Traders with New Initiatives
CM Gupta introduced several initiatives to help the traders in Delhi, starting with the formation of a Traders Welfare Board. This board will act as a dedicated platform to resolve business and trade grievances. She also shared her government’s plans to bring an amnesty scheme for Goods and Services Tax (GST) to ease the process for traders. She emphasized the need for a simpler, more transparent tax process to allow traders to meet their obligations without undue hassle.
Commitment to Simplifying Business Processes
Gupta further reassured traders that they will no longer have to endure delays and harassment in government offices. She promised that officials who treat traders unfairly would face strict actions. “The system should be trader-friendly and allow them to meet their tax liabilities with ease,” Gupta said, pledging to make government processes more accessible and respectful for the city’s business community.
New Industrial Policy for Delhi
CM Gupta also outlined her government’s commitment to improving Delhi’s industrial environment by creating a new industrial policy. She called for the traders to provide input on the policy, aiming for a system that facilitates easier licensing, a single-window clearance, and improved ease of doing business.
Conclusion: A Vision for Better Trade in Delhi
With the newly proposed measures, CM Gupta aims to bring about significant changes to Delhi’s business environment, providing relief and better opportunities to traders. By streamlining processes and modernizing the market infrastructure, she envisions a robust trade ecosystem that benefits both businesses and the economy of Delhi.