Delhi’s trader community, comprising over 10% of the electorate, has long been a crucial force in shaping the city’s economy. But frustration is mounting among business owners across the capital as they face rising challenges that threaten their livelihoods. From the absence of basic amenities to the rise of competition from e-commerce firms, traders feel increasingly neglected.
One such voice of frustration comes from the co-owners of Makhan Lal Tikka Ram, a century-old sweet shop in Old Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate. Dishant and Kapil Aggarwal have seen their business decline—not because of e-commerce or crumbling civic infrastructure—but due to a persistent and unresolved problem: the menace of monkeys and the lack of basic public amenities.
“The menace of monkeys puts off customers who can’t eat outside or carry food with ease,” said Kapil Aggarwal. “The only public toilet here is without a roof, even though it is right opposite the Municipal Corporation office.”
The concerns expressed by the Aggarwals reflect a broader discontent among traders in the city. Traders feel that not only are they battling fierce competition from new-age businesses, but they also lack the necessary support from the authorities in terms of infrastructure development and policy changes.
Brijesh Goyal, Chairman of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), stressed the need for a level playing field. “E-commerce has captured our business and hurt the interests of local shops,” Goyal said. “The Delhi Bazar portal should be made with market-wise and trade-wise registration of traders.”
Traders are also calling for better infrastructure in Delhi’s commercial hubs. Many markets lack essential amenities like toilets, parking spaces, and proper roads. Vinay Narang, President of the Automotive Parts Merchant Association, voiced the common frustration: “Governments come and go, but there are no toilets here for women, no parking for vehicles.”
Administrative bottlenecks have made it increasingly difficult for businesses to thrive. From burdensome clearances for simple renovations to multiple compliance hurdles, traders are seeking a more streamlined approach. Goyal further emphasised, “We want the new government to establish a trade and industry development board for monthly stakeholder consultations. We also want ease of doing business via single-window clearance for pollution, water, PWD, and other departments.”
Another significant concern for traders is the rise of illegal hawkers who impact business operations. Atul Bhargava, President of the New Delhi Traders Association, suggested a practical solution: “Government should make a flea market for peaceful rehabilitation of illegal hawkers.”
High taxes have been a longstanding pain point for traders. With e-commerce businesses having fewer overheads, local shops are struggling to keep up. Harsh Arora, a chemist, stated, “We need parity with e-pharmacies as they don’t need prescriptions to sell medicines, but we do. Physical shops have overhead costs too, where will we go if e-commerce eats up our business?”
As the new government steps into power, the trader community is hopeful but wary. The demands of the community go beyond simple policy changes—they require comprehensive action and collaboration between the Delhi government and the Centre. Without this, the once-thriving markets of Delhi may soon fade into obscurity.
A level playing field with e-commerce, removal of illegal hawkers, ease of compliance, and the creation of a dedicated government board for traders are among the most pressing asks. However, these issues are not just political—it will require a strong commitment from both the Delhi government and the Centre to fulfil these demands.
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Lloyd Kucera