CM announces formation of ‘Delhi Traders Welfare Board’

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, stating on Wednesday that the government is actively working on various initiatives in the interest of the trader community, announced the establishment of the ‘Delhi Traders Welfare Board’.

Gupta called the move a step towards resolving traders’ issues and enabling them to conduct business in a secure and fear-free environment. She assured her government’s commitment to developing efficient infrastructure to ensure ease of doing business in the national capital with the traders operating their businesses smoothly without hindrance.

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After meeing representatives of the Bhartiya Udyog Mandal met at the Delhi Secretariat, the chief minister emphasized that her government is not only determined to preserve the commercial character of the city but is also working on various schemes to provide adequate facilities to the business community.

She made it clear that there are no plans to shift Delhi’s markets elsewhere, reaffirming that the government’s goal is to support the growth of trade within the city. “We want Delhi’s businesses to thrive as increased trade will enhance revenue, which in turn will contribute to the development of Delhi.”

The CM also shared that her government is preparing a blueprint for the redevelopment of Old Delhi’s markets.

According to her, the plan includes revitalising these commercial areas while ensuring that shops, small warehouses, and offices remain within the local vicinity, and for storage and logistics support, large warehouses will be developed in the outer parts of Delhi.

Gupta criticised previous administrations for exploiting traders and systematically disrupting the historic character of Delhi’s commercial zones. In contrast, she said her government has established the Delhi Traders Welfare Board and included trader representatives within it, ensuring that their challenges are accurately understood and effectively addressed, she added.

According to Gupta, out of the 15 members of this board, nine have been selected from the trading community.

She informed that as a statutory body, the board will act as a bridge between the government and the trading community, simplifying processes, promoting employment and investment, and managing a welfare fund to protect their economic interests.

Gupta said the board will not be limited to policy matters but will also address emergency relief and compensation in situations such as natural disasters, fires, and floods.