At the ‘All-Party Traders’ ‘Parliament’ organised by the ‘Confederation of All India Traders’ (CAIT) to discuss the ongoing sealing drive affecting traders in the national Capital, while Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari and Congress president Ajay Maken were present, no body from the Aam Aadmi Party attended the meeting. The session also witnessed gathering of leaders of more than 200 prominent trade associations.
CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal informed that in the wake of recent observations of Supreme Court and dilapidated condition of Delhi coupled with trader’s stake in such problems, the CAIT will soon release a ‘white paper’. We will also conduct a citywide campaign named “Holla Bol “.
He also said that Delhi Chief Minister has been exposed. “His (CM) concern towards traders has also proved futile as he is not serious on the issue,” he said.
Addressing the traders, Manoj Tiwari said that BJP is committed to resolve sealing issue soon. “Traders are backbone of economy and as such their issues are on top priority. Regular consultations are underway to provide them relief,” he said.
Tiwari further said that commercialisation is always for the betterment of city as it generates revenue for the Government.
Advocating trader’s concern Ajay Maken said that Delhi has a diversified population and area within city and therefore each area should have a separate ‘Local Area Development’ plan. He said that he is ready to cooperate with the government to cope up with sealing issue.
Khandelwal further said that the government in a note filed in Supreme Court on Monday, has suggested forming a task force which is a welcome step as for last three months CAIT was regularly demanding constitution of such task force. He suggested that the task force should be formed under the Chairmanship of Delhi Lieutenant Governor.
Traders in the national Capital hit hard after building department of the Municipal Corporations started sealing business establishments for number of reason including non-payment of conversion charges, encroachment and illegal construction on the instructions of the Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee. Thousands of shops have been sealed since last December and there is still no sigh of relief amid all the coordinated efforts put up by all concerned.