New Delhi: Trader associations have written to chief minister Rekha Gupta with 11 suggestions to be incorporated in the upcoming Delhi budget, which may be tabled on March 24.Among the major demands is the conversion of industrial areas such as Bawana, Bhorgarh, Jhilmil, and Badli from leasehold to freehold. Traders have also sought rationalisation of circle rates to better align them with market realities and reduce transaction-related challenges.“Keeping in mind the problems of market associations and factory owners across 56 industrial areas, we have sent a demand letter to CM Rekha Gupta. There are discrepancies in circle rates at several places which should be rectified. Minimum wages in Delhi are much higher than neighbouring states, making it difficult to find labour,” said Brijesh Goyal, chairman of the Chamber of Trade and Industry.Members also highlighted that electricity rates in Delhi’s industrial areas should be rationalised. They further demanded a separate warehouse policy for better management and maintenance of warehouses.The associations reiterated the need to constitute a Traders’ Welfare Board, which was announced in the previous budget but is yet to be implemented. TNN
