Delhi: Why traders found the budget a bittersweet pill | Delhi News
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government’s ‘Rozgar budget’, which mainly focuses on promoting the night economy and retail and wholesale markets to increase sales and employment, has received a mixed reaction from traders.
While some of the traders were quite happy with the allocation of funds for the shopping festivals and claimed that it was the first time that a government gave so much importance to the traders, others said that the announcements were far from reality.
Brijesh Goyal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called it “the best budget in the history of Delhi” for traders. “The budget has supported all types of business activities including retail, wholesale, factories, hotels and restaurants. The announcement of Rs 100 crore for retail markets and Rs 250 crore for wholesale markets is much appreciated. Due to business festivals, attendance and sales will increase, and night shopping culture will be promoted,” he added.
Traders said increased sales would automatically increase production in industrial areas and rejuvenate the economy.
“The budget emphasizes holding the Delhi Shopping Festival to encourage shoppers and retain the old character of Delhi. The government has already started contacting market associations through the Dialogue and Development Commission. Details will be uploaded on Delhi bazaar portal. We told officials that the market was established in 1950 and was in desperate need of development/beautification. We were assured that the necessary measures would be taken,” said Nitin Gupta, president of the Kamla Nagar Traders Association.
Meanwhile, part of the traders expected the government to give them relief in the form of tax relief or special packages to overcome the losses incurred during the pandemic.
Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary of the Confederation of All Indian Traders, said that at a time when businesses were reeling from severe financial constraints and trying to overcome the negative impact of the pandemic, the Delhi government did not had announced nothing to save them or ease taxes.
“Not a single program was announced for the trading community in the budget, nor was any policy measure mentioned to streamline trade and commerce. No plans were announced to set up cyber hubs as income from Delhi is transferred to neighboring cities like Gurgaon and Noida,” Khandelwal added.
The businessmen said the government continued to charge fixed electricity and water fees to shop owners even during the lockdown period when shops were closed.
Provide an online platform for local traders and offer a virtual tour of iconic markets, like Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, etc. was another feature valued by traders.
Ashok Randhawa, chairman of Mini Market Sarojini Nagar, said they would definitely get a boost in terms of sales and increased employment. “However, if the GST on fabric and leather products had been reduced and some relief given, we could have reduced our losses,” he added.
While some of the traders were quite happy with the allocation of funds for the shopping festivals and claimed that it was the first time that a government gave so much importance to the traders, others said that the announcements were far from reality.
Brijesh Goyal, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called it “the best budget in the history of Delhi” for traders. “The budget has supported all types of business activities including retail, wholesale, factories, hotels and restaurants. The announcement of Rs 100 crore for retail markets and Rs 250 crore for wholesale markets is much appreciated. Due to business festivals, attendance and sales will increase, and night shopping culture will be promoted,” he added.
Traders said increased sales would automatically increase production in industrial areas and rejuvenate the economy.
“The budget emphasizes holding the Delhi Shopping Festival to encourage shoppers and retain the old character of Delhi. The government has already started contacting market associations through the Dialogue and Development Commission. Details will be uploaded on Delhi bazaar portal. We told officials that the market was established in 1950 and was in desperate need of development/beautification. We were assured that the necessary measures would be taken,” said Nitin Gupta, president of the Kamla Nagar Traders Association.
Meanwhile, part of the traders expected the government to give them relief in the form of tax relief or special packages to overcome the losses incurred during the pandemic.
Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary of the Confederation of All Indian Traders, said that at a time when businesses were reeling from severe financial constraints and trying to overcome the negative impact of the pandemic, the Delhi government did not had announced nothing to save them or ease taxes.
“Not a single program was announced for the trading community in the budget, nor was any policy measure mentioned to streamline trade and commerce. No plans were announced to set up cyber hubs as income from Delhi is transferred to neighboring cities like Gurgaon and Noida,” Khandelwal added.
The businessmen said the government continued to charge fixed electricity and water fees to shop owners even during the lockdown period when shops were closed.
Provide an online platform for local traders and offer a virtual tour of iconic markets, like Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, etc. was another feature valued by traders.
Ashok Randhawa, chairman of Mini Market Sarojini Nagar, said they would definitely get a boost in terms of sales and increased employment. “However, if the GST on fabric and leather products had been reduced and some relief given, we could have reduced our losses,” he added.