Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday reiterated her government’s goal to make trade in the Capital empowered, simple, and seamless. She made this assertion while describing the ARISE initiative as “a milestone towards self-reliance and innovation in the retail sector.” The Chief Minister said such endeavours will not only promote trade but will also generate new opportunities for employment and skill development.

She added that ARISE is a platform that will give India’s trade sector a new direction and identity. This initiative marks a historic step towards empowering millions of retailers and small traders across the country through skilling, branding, and entrepreneurship.

The Chief Minister remarked that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local”, skilling and branding are becoming the new strengths of Indian trade. She added that the success of India’s trader community is the greatest capital of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vishwaguru Bharat.

Highlighting the Delhi Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Ease of Doing Business for traders and entrepreneurs, Rekha Gupta noted that, for the first time in Delhi’s history, GST refunds worth over `700 crore have been issued within just six months. She announced that the GST refund process is now being made completely faceless and transparent, ensuring that traders no longer need to visit Government offices unnecessarily.