CM Rekha consults with industry leaders for 2026 budget
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday initiated consultations with industry leaders for the 2026 Budget, signalling a strong push towards making the capital more investment-friendly and job-oriented.
At a meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister said the upcoming budget will focus on accelerating industrial growth, attracting investments and creating large-scale employment opportunities.
She assured industry representatives that their suggestions would be incorporated into policy decisions. “We are working towards an industry-friendly budget. Inputs from stakeholders will play a key role in shaping it,” the Chief Minister said during the interaction. The meeting brought together entrepreneurs from multiple sectors, who presented a wide range of demands and policy recommendations aimed at improving ease of doing business in the city. Delhi’s Industries Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa was also present.
Industry leaders called for structural reforms to boost industrial development. Among the key demands were revisions in capital expenditure norms in industrial areas and conversion of industrial plots to freehold. They also flagged the need for reliable drinking water supply for industrial units.
A major focus of the discussion was on modernisation and sustainability. Participants stressed the need for technological upgradation of factories and promotion of solar rooftop installations to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. They also proposed a green building policy and incentives for adopting eco-friendly equipment. Another significant suggestion was to develop Delhi as a global capability centre hub, which could attract multinational companies and high-value service operations.
Logistics and manufacturing challenges also featured prominently in the discussions. Industry representatives highlighted the need for smoother supply chains and stronger logistics infrastructure. They sought policy support to enhance production capacity and reduce operational bottlenecks.
Among specific demands were power subsidies for industries, implementation of a single-window clearance system, and reforms in Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms to enable expansion of industrial units. The promotion of recycling industries was also suggested as a way to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste.
Concerns from unplanned industrial areas were raised separately. Representatives pointed to poor infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems, and the need to upgrade common effluent treatment plants and sewage facilities. They also highlighted issues related to parking shortages and rising operational costs.
Labour and skill development issues were also discussed. Industry leaders called for upgrading Industrial Training Institute courses to align with current market needs. They stressed the importance of setting up skill development centres to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers.
Other suggestions included simplifying the process of property transfer through wills and making amendments to the Societies Act to ease administrative hurdles. The Chief Minister said the government views industry as the backbone of Delhi’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation and growth. She emphasised that the government’s approach is based on partnership with stakeholders. “Development through partnership is our guiding principle. Continuous dialogue with industry will help us build a stronger and more competitive economy,” she said.
Officials said the consultation is part of a broader exercise to make the budget more responsive to ground realities and sectoral needs. The Chief Minister reiterated that the 2026 Budget will include concrete steps to position Delhi as a modern industrial and investment hub while ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth. With industry seeking reforms across infrastructure, policy and regulation, the upcoming budget is expected to reflect a shift towards easing business operations and strengthening Delhi’s economic base.
