New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized her administration's dedication to fostering an Ease of Doing Business environment, announcing that a total of Rs 915 crore in GST refunds has been distributed to local traders within the last four months.

During the centenary celebration of the Friends Colony Industrial Area, the Chief Minister highlighted efforts to boost business growth and create new job opportunities.

She revealed plans to develop three additional industrial zones in Delhi, which are anticipated to provide employment for hundreds of thousands.

In just ten months, significant reforms have been made within the industrial sector, including the streamlining of licensing processes and the establishment of a single-window clearance system aimed at accelerating approvals.

The event saw the participation of Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, along with Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, MLAs Anil Goyal and Sanjay Goyal, and various industrial representatives.

Gupta described the industrial sector as essential to India’s growth, stating that operating a business goes beyond just entrepreneurship; it involves enhancing the economy and supporting numerous households.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurturing industries through ongoing, practical, and business-friendly policies.

The Chief Minister announced the formation of Delhi’s inaugural Traders’ Welfare Board, allowing traders and industry stakeholders to communicate their issues and suggestions directly to the government.

Moreover, the approval timeframe for Green Category industries has been drastically reduced from 120 days to just 20 days, with non-approval within this period considered as self-permission.

Additionally, collateral-free loans up to Rs 10 crore are now available to micro and small enterprises.

Gupta instructed the GST Department to implement faceless operations and speed up the refund process, resulting in Rs 915 crore in GST refunds issued to Delhi's traders.

Highlighting the importance of workers’ dignity and social security, Gupta noted that labor is fundamental to the industrial sector.

She thanked Prime Minister Modi for introducing new labor laws designed to enhance social security for workers.

Gupta also called upon industries to fulfill their social responsibilities, contributing to cleanliness, environmental protection, and green initiatives throughout the city.

She assured that her government is tirelessly working to transform Delhi into a developed capital. During the event, she visited various industry stalls and interacted with exhibitors.

On the occasion, Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed pride in the Friends Colony Industrial Area reaching its centenary.

He pointed out that while the area originally housed only 80 factories, it now boasts nearly 2,000 active industrial units.

Sirsa commended the business community for consistently adhering to environmental standards through individual and shared Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs).

He noted that industrial areas in Delhi have long suffered from infrastructure neglect, but changes are underway under Chief Minister Gupta's leadership.

In her first year in office, the Chief Minister has allocated over Rs 1,000 crore for improvements in roads, stormwater drainage, and street lighting in industrial zones.

Sirsa regarded this as a historic initiative after two to three decades, predicting it would pave the way for Delhi’s industrial growth.

He reiterated that three new industrial areas would be developed soon, generating numerous job opportunities for people.