CEOs Welcomed Kejriwal's Budget

Welcoming the Delhi Budget presented by the State Government on last week, mentioned that the budget was comprehensive in addressing the issues of the citizens and industry and meeting their expectations. The members also appreciated the Government for incorporating many of recommendations and suggestions submitted by CII.

Mr Shreekant Somany, Chairman, CII Northern Region and Chairman & Managing Director, Somany Ceramics Limited said that, “CII is encouraged and proud that we were an active participant in the development of this budget. It was truly participative with active involvement of all stakeholders. CII submitted suggestions and recommendations to the State Government for the Budget. It is heartening to see that the Government shares CII’s vision of making Delhi a Knowledge and Skill Hub with its clear focus on areas like education and skill development”. He further said that he agrees with the Deputy Chief Minister in saying that an increased allocation on education is an investment for the future.

Elaborating further on the proposals to facilitate growth and encourage investor confidence in the State, Dr Alka Kaul, Chairperson, CII Delhi State Council and Director, Horizon Industrial Products Private Limited said that the industry in Delhi will get push and impetus with the focus on Ease of Doing Business (EODB) by reviewing the existing licensing system and simplifying the procedures. She further said that CII looks forward to working with the State Government and the Empowered Committee constituted to implement Ease of Doing Business.

CII also compliments State Government on constitution of Delhi Urban Development Agency, which will strengthen implementation of projects related to Urban Development across all constituencies.

Speaking of revised tax regime in Delhi, Mr Madhav Sriram, Vice Chairman, CII Delhi State Council and Director, DCM Shriram Industries Limited said that it is a welcome step in the right direction. He said that with the focus on compliance and revision in processed, the trader and retail community in Delhi will be immensely encouraged.

The Budget saw maximum allocations to Education and Skill Development. Appreciating the step, Ms Rumjhum Chatterjee, Deputy Chairperson, CII Northern Region and Group Managing Director, Feedback Infra Private Limited said that CII also looks forward to working with the State Government with the objective of imparting quality vocational education to students by promoting vocational centers, polytechnics and ITIs. There is an urgent need to bring about changes in the courses and curriculum at ITIs to align them with the needs of the industry. She also said setting up of new ITI under the umbrella of Skills University will help improve the employability in Delhi.

We commend the Government in sharing CII’s vision of skill development and 100% literacy for all, said Mr Aditya Berlia, Convener, CII Delhi Panel on Education and Member of Management Board, Apeejay Stya and Svran Group. He also said that we welcome the revolutionary scheme of loan guarantee which will allow all Delhi school students to get access to quality higher education. This will further help Delhi to become a national innovation and entrepreneurial hub.

Aligning with the recommendations by CII, Delhi Government has also announced setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants and Waste to Energy Plants. Expanding the green cover in Delhi, stringent checks on pollution, levying an entry fee on heavy goods diesel vehicles will help improve the air quality and environment in Delhi, said Mr Rahul Munjal, Convener, CII Delhi Panel on Environment and Sustainability, and Managing Director, Hero Future Energies Private Limited.

CII has always believes that for Delhi to be a World Class City, it must learn from the best practices followed internationally by developed countries. The setting up of Delhi International Cooperation Unit as a nodal agency for international cooperation is encouraging”, said Mr Arjun Wallia, Past Chairman, CII Delhi State Council and Group Founder and Chairman, The Walsons Group and Securitas India.

Delhi Government has been very encouraging in using technology for decision making and governance, granting permits and licenses, water and sewage management. This will go a long way. Also, use of battery operated vehicles and implying e-rickshaws across Delhi is a positive step and speaks of the vision of the State leadership, said Mr Naveen Munjal, Past Chairman, CII Delhi State Council and Managing Director, Hero Electric Vehicles Private Limited.

CII maintained that Delhi has the potential to be a World Class Tourist Destination. It has submitted that the government must look at promoting the sector by giving the tourists an incentive to come back. The culture and heritage of Delhi must be harnessed actively, according to CII’s pre-budget proposals.