What Are Traders in Gandhi Nagar Market Saying About the Union Budget?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Merchants in Gandhi Nagar Market, Delhi, have shared their varied perspectives regarding the Union Budget unveiled by the central government. Many have labeled it as mainly “average.”
Traders expressed concerns that the budget will likely not bring about any significant changes, failing to tackle the pressing challenges faced by local markets and small enterprises.
Praveen Gupta, the President of the Gandhi Nagar Market Subhash Road Association, remarked that the budget is unremarkable and closely resembles that of the previous year.
He indicated that there are no new initiatives that would significantly benefit local traders or district-level businesses.
Gupta highlighted that the budget primarily favors individuals traveling abroad, referencing the reduction of a specific tax from 5 percent to 2 percent.
He also noted that market conditions have remained poor since the impact of COVID-19, urging the government to implement tangible measures that consider the state of small traders and local markets.
On a more optimistic note, Jitendra Singh, a shopkeeper and association member, responded positively to the budget.
He mentioned that the government has established balanced GST rates on various products, which he believes will provide relief to traders.
In his view, this will ultimately benefit both traders and consumers in the long run.
Narender Sharma, Vice President of the Gandhi Nagar Market Subhash Road Association, echoed similar sentiments, stating that this year's budget is, like its predecessor, rather ordinary. He emphasized that the current sluggishness in business activity means that merely raising taxes won't resolve the underlying issues.
Sharma questioned the feasibility for traders to pay taxes if business conditions do not improve. Nonetheless, he appreciated the initiative to make overseas education more affordable for students and regarded the hike in alcohol and cigarette prices as a positive move.