‘Dilli Bazar’ policy runs into hurdles pre-launch

According to documents accessed by The Indian Express, the Finance department in its review, said, “It is of the view that subsidy should only be given to needy sellers up to a certain limit and cannot be open-ended…”

It also asked the Industries department to ensure availability of sufficient funds in the relevant head of account during the financial year 2023-24 and subsequent financial years to meet the proposed expenditure.

On the government’s plan to collaborate with an existing e-commerce platform and engage an MSP for three years, the Finance department asked the Industries department to “initiate necessary amendments in the e-commerce regulations and other statutory laws, in consultation with the Law, Trade & Taxes and other departments concerned of GNCTD and Government of India, if required, and place the instant proposal before the competent authority…”

The government also proposed reimbursing the project cost and consultancy fee to the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, and authorise the additional chief secretary, Industries, to reimburse the same on a quarterly basis after the concurrence of financial advisors.

On this, the Industries department has been asked to place on record relevant provisions of statutory laws/guidelines of GNCTD enabling DSIIDC to receive such administrative charge from the Delhi government. “Consent of DSIIDC in this regard may also be placed on record,” the Finance department said.

A senior official said, “The Cabinet note has been prepared and the (Industries) department will make changes as per points suggested by the Finance department. After that, the note will be placed before the council of ministers for their approval. Once this is done, further procedure to launch the portal will be initiated.”