Delhi govt drafts key policies for economic and industrial growth

New Delhi: Delhi govt has finalised the draft of three important policies, which may define industrial growth and economic activities in the capital in the next few years. These policies may be placed before the council of ministers for approval once the chief minister is back from jail.Sources said the industries department of Delhi govt has also collected feedback from stakeholders and the general public on three policies — Delhi Electronic System Design, Manufacturing and Refurbishment (ESDMR) Policy 2022-27, City Logistics Policy, and Industrial and Economic Development Policy 2023–33. This feedback will also be shared with the cabinet as and when it meets.“We are ready with our draft proposal. We will start rolling them out once we get approval from the cabinet and the policies are notified,” said a Delhi govt official.The Industrial and Economic Development Policy 2023–33 is aimed at making Delhi a “sustainable industrial hub and an innovative knowledge-based economy” in the next 10 years. The policy includes several innovative provisions that will help turn Delhi into a globally competitive urban economy by leveraging skilled human capital, high-tech industrial development and services sector, promotion of night economy, plug and play facilities, start-ups, and new economic activities.“Govt is committed to building Delhi as a leading business destination worldwide while acknowledging the UT’s inherent strengths and practical challenges. The emphasis remains constant on creating a progressive business culture that prioritises knowledge and innovative technology,” reads the policy. Officials said the feedback received from stakeholders would help make the policy “robust and friendly” to both industrialists as well as the citizens.A senior Delhi govt official said the Delhi Electronic System Design, Manufacturing and Refurbishment (ESDMR) Policy 2022-27 has been framed to develop Delhi as a “preferred destination” for electronics design and manufacturing industries, which would create new employment opportunities. Under this policy, the govt has proposed employment- and generation-based incentives to the new design and manufacturing units set up in the proposed Electronics City in southwest Delhi’s Baprola.A senior Delhi govt official said the City Logistics Policy would pave the way for developing a cost-effective, inclusive and environment-friendly freight transportation system for the capital, which would contribute to economic growth, facilitate ease of logistics, decongest the city, and strengthen its redistributive character.“Several issues affecting freight movement in the capital had been identified. Through this policy, a string of recommendations such as a regulatory framework for the movement of goods vehicles, land use planning, better infrastructure, operational improvements, capacity building and extensive use of technology to give a boost to the trading sector have been proposed,” said an official.