From News Desk

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said at a press conference organised by CAIT at Bharat Mandapam that the Delhi government will soon introduce a one-time Goods and Services Tax (GST) amnesty scheme which will provide relief to traders from pending dues. The CM also said that a ‘Single Window Clearance System’ will be launched soon to simplify business operations and offer entrepreneurs access to multiple benefits through a centralised system.

Chandni Chowk MP and CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal also proposed the formation of a ‘Delhi Economic Development Council’ to prepare a comprehensive economic plan through consultations with stakeholders. “It will revive Delhi’s traditional trade network and open vast opportunities in business, industry, and employment,” said Khandelwal.

The event was attended by Union minister of state Harsh Malhotra, MPs Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Bansuri Swaraj, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and Delhi ministers Pravesh Verma and Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

Experts, however, said that the Delhi GST Act does not have provisions for the state government to unilaterally announce an amnesty scheme. But it can do so by taking approval from the Centre, they said.

The traders from the IT community have shown a mixed reaction to this proposal. Some have welcomed the move, while others have shown reservations as according to them, this may not send positive signals to those traders who have been paying GST on time.

The Delhi government may have to look into this issue at a later date.