2,000 trade bodies shut shop to protest against sealing

New Delhi: Responding to the call for shutdown initiated by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), major markets in Delhi including Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash, Chandani Chowk, Connaught Place, Khan Market and Defence Markets,remain closed on Friday.

"Almost 2,500 markets are closed, resulting in loss of Rs 1,800 crore of business, and Rs 150 crore to the government exchequer. Protest marches against sealing are being taken out by businessmen in around 500 markets," said CAIT, which claimed support from nearly 2,000 traders' associations.

CAIT members said there are multiple authorities working in Delhi, without any of coordination, resulting in the hampering of systematic planned development.

"It is demanded that to ensure timely planned development of Master Plan, the Union Government should constitute a 'Special Task Force' under the chairmanship of Delhi Lieutenant Governor and comprising of senior officials of Urban Development Departments of both Central and Delhi governments, DDA, Municipal Corporations and Delhi Police beside having representatives from trade unions," the Confederation said.

It further said that traders demanded the government to bring an Amnesty Scheme to maintain status quo as on December 31, 2017.

CAIT also asked that no penal action be taken against any trader; though offences may be compounded by introducing a compounding policy, and in future the law and its implementation should be made stricter and offenders be given exemplary punishment.

Protesting traders also demanded that the MCDs should develop sufficient parking space, as it has already taken thousands of crores of rupees as parking charges from the traders.

"Uniform floor area ratio (FAR) up to 400 sq m should be given to authorise additional construction. Commercial use of basements in all areas should also be allowed," they demanded.

A protesting traders said that local shopping centres were given commercial rates, and thus no conversion charge should be levied on them.

"The conversion charges should be levied maximum upto 10 years. with no penalty or interest up till now," he said.

Markets such as Karol Bagh, Sadar Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Bhagirath Place, Lajpat Rai Market, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Nai Sarak,Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony, Green Park and all other Markets of South Delhi, Rajouri Garden, Tilak Nagar, Uttam Nagar, Kirti Nagar and other markets of West Delhi, Ashok Vihar, Model Town, Shalimar Bagh, Pitampura, Rohini and other markets of North Delhi, Paharganj, Krishna Nagar, Vikas Marg, Laxmi Nagar, Jagatpuri, Shahdara, Loni Road, Mayur Vihar and other markets of trans Yamuna area were remained closed.