Seeking to woo the community of traders in the national Capital ahead of the Assembly polls, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday called himself a bania who understands business.
Subsequently, he promised traders to restructure the tax regime in Delhi and put an end to the extortion and raid racket by the VAT Department. Sources said that most of these promises made by Kejriwal were also based on his close interaction with traders during the recent fundraisers.
Addressing a traders rally at Nehru Place, Kejriwal announced a set of measures for them, saying if voted to power, his party will create a business-friendly environment and make Delhi a wholesale and distribution hub in the country.
The AAP leader described himself a trader, and said he understood the dhandha well. He said, “I am from the trader community and I understand the trade. We want you to do your business with full honesty and pay taxes. There will be minimum interference from the Government. Our party’s policy is not to indulge in raids, but trust the traders. Our Government will see the end of VAT raids and extortion racket and create a business-friendly environment.”
The former Delhi Chief Minister gave examples from his shortlived regime and alleged that soon after his departure traders were “harassed” by the VAT Department. “This is what we did during our 49-day rule. Traders were never harassed during our rule. In fact, the VAT collection during our regime was the highest, but declined soon after we resigned, which was followed by raids,” Kejriwal claimed.
He also assured that he would restructure the tax regime in Delhi to help boost business and said the party will have a “single window” clearance system for those wanting to open businesses in Delhi.
He added that there will be an easy tax filing and assessment with well-defined and streamlined procedure. Kejriwal promised that all transactions would be made online to reduce the interface with Delhi Government. licences can be applied for and received at home, which will reduce the avenues and opportunities for corruption.
“Trade is hampered due to red tape and bureaucracy. If anyone wants to open a business in Delhi, he will get all the necessary permissions in seven days. If that is delayed then he can come to the Chief Minister’s office and take his permission. In next five years, we will have the lowest VAT in the country. Thirty pages of VAT forms will be made into one simple page for traders,” Kejriwal said.
Kejriwal also mooted the concept of using one portion of the VAT from every locality and market for the maintenance and upgrading of that market to foster future business and trade.