CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal Meets Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, Submits Budget Demand Letter

The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) Chairman Brijesh Goyal met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday to discuss traders' concerns and submit a budget demand letter ahead of the upcoming Delhi Budget Session starting March 24. One of the key proposals included organizing a shopping festival in Delhi, similar to those in Dubai and China, to boost trade and attract global consumers.

This will be the first budget session under Rekha Gupta's government, and the administration has been actively engaging with traders, education bodies, and women's groups to gather insights and recommendations for the budget. CM Gupta has also been visiting slum areas to seek suggestions from the youth and women on key economic policies.

Traders' Key Demands

During the meeting, CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal emphasized the challenges faced by Delhi’s traders and suggested reforms to improve the business environment. Some of the key demands include:

Freehold Industrial Areas: Transforming Bawana, Bhorgarh, Jhilmil, and Badli industrial zones from leasehold to freehold.

Correction of Circle Rate Discrepancies: Addressing irregularities in circle rates across areas like Narela to ensure fair property valuations.

Competitive Minimum Wages: Revising minimum wages, which are currently higher than those in neighboring states.

Rationalizing Electricity Prices: Reducing industrial electricity tariffs, which are comparatively higher than other states.

Warehouse Policy: Creating a separate warehouse policy for better storage facilities.

Market Redevelopment: Continuing the revamp of six major markets initiated by the previous government.

Delhi Shopping Festival: Hosting an international shopping festival on the lines of Dubai and China.

Special Schemes for Historic Markets: Implementing dedicated schemes for Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazaar.

Delhi Bazaar Portal: Developing an e-commerce portal to help local traders reach domestic and international markets.

Abolishing MCD Factory License: Removing the MCD factory license requirement for businesses.

Single-Window Clearance: Establishing a single-window system to enhance ease of doing business.

Government's Response

The Rekha Gupta government has assured that all concerns will be carefully evaluated while framing the budget. The administration aims to create a business-friendly environment, ensuring that traders and industrialists in Delhi can operate smoothly and compete on a global scale.

With growing expectations from the business community, the upcoming Delhi Budget 2024 is likely to include reforms that will boost trade, create jobs, and streamline industrial policies.