Traders’ body created to help form policies, boost investment: CM

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced the formation of the Delhi Traders Welfare Board, which would play a pivotal role in promoting traders’ interests and boosting the city’s economy. The formation of a traders’ board in the Capital was one of the key promises made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the run-up to the Assembly poll.

“The government will also provide a grant-in-aid of ₹10 crore, which has been allocated in the budget and will be used for welfare schemes,” said Ms. Gupta while addressing a press conference.

“It will provide legal aid, organise events, and create an IT portal to facilitate communication between the government and traders,” the CM said, adding that the board will also focus on policy formation, regulatory challenges, boosting employment, and investment.

The board, chaired by Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, will comprise a 15-member committee.

“The board aims to simplify regulatory frameworks, streamline processes to ease regulatory challenges for traders, provide welfare schemes by implementing welfare schemes for traders, and ensure their well-being and support… it will also foster an environment that promotes employment and investment opportunities,” she added.

There are around eight lakh traders registered with the Delhi government’s Trade and Taxes Department.