New Delhi, March 24 Delhi traders have called the budget forward-looking, but raised concerns over the lack of concrete policy for market upgrades and the redevelopment of the city.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented the Budget on Tuesday for the 2026-27 financial year with a total outlay of Rs 1.03 lakh crore.
“It is deeply disappointing that the Delhi Budget has once again overlooked the urgent need for redevelopment of our city’s markets. Even last year, an announcement was made regarding the formation of the Delhi Vyapar Kalyan Board, but to date, no concrete steps or declaration have been made,” Nitin Gupta, president of the Kamla Nagar Traders Association, said.
He alleged that despite traders having paid crores of rupees towards conversion charges and parking development fees, there is no visible improvement on the ground, with basic civic infrastructure still neglected.
Gupta also raised concerns over the lack of facilities for women.
“There is a complete lack of usable ladies’ toilets across Delhi markets, which is a serious concern for both shoppers and women entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that while funds have been allocated for PWD roads, there is no clarity on MCD roads and footpaths that form most market infrastructure.
“Delhi’s markets are the backbone of its economy, and continued neglect will only harm both traders and the public at large,” he said.
Khan Market Traders' Association president Sanjiv Mehra said traders welfare board is the need of the hour and the government should take concrete steps towards forming a welfare board and its policy.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) termed the Budget “balanced”, highlighting allocations for industrial areas.
CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said a provision of Rs 160 crore for roads, sewers and infrastructure in industrial areas would provide relief, especially to non-conforming industrial zones.
Goyal welcomed the announcement of a warehousing policy and a logistics hub, citing an acute shortage of warehouses in the city, and termed the focus on skill development for the MSME sector a positive step.
However, Goyal said market associations and shopkeepers were “definitely disappointed” as there was no mention of development or maintenance of Delhi’s markets in the Budget.