Will simplify rules for trade if voted to power: Delhi BJP

Delhi BJP today promised to create a more conducive environment for traders in the national capital by, among others, simplifying the procedure for the filing of VAT returns and withdrawing the municipal trade licence if it won the upcoming Assembly elections.
Delhi BJP Chief Vijay Goel also said that if the party was voted to power, it would clear the path for commercial activities on the 351 roads earmarked for the purpose by the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Delhi in 2007, as per the Master Plan.
"Traders under the Congress regime have to face a number of problems... They have to go through a cumbersome process for filing their VAT returns. Getting refunds is not easy either," he told reporters.

He said that if BJP came to power, traders would have to fill up a simple trade information form to get permission for opening a shop.
"They won't be required to fill any other form for the next five years, just file an affidavit," he added.
Goel said they would amend the law for grant of trade licences.

He also demanded a reduction in the fine for late filing of VAT information from Rs 500 to Rs 100.
Stating that traders were like government servants as they collected VAT on its behalf, Goel averred that they, too, should get social security in their old age.

A high-powered committee would be formed to look into traders' problems, he added.