Delhi CM Rekha Gupta clears Rs 1,600 crore GST refunds before Diwali, promises traders faster payouts ahead

The chief minister underlined that strengthening the ease of doing business remains a top priority for her administration.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday announced that nearly Rs 1,600 crore in GST refunds, pending since 2019, will be released before Diwali. She said this would ensure traders celebrate the festival “with greater joy and prosperity.”

The announcement came after Gupta held a special meeting with the Department of Trade and Taxes (GST) at her Civil Lines camp office, attended by GST Commissioner Nandini Paliwal, Finance Secretary Shurveer Singh and senior officials, PTI reported.

Gupta criticised the previous AAP government, claiming it failed to take “any concrete measures” to settle the refunds. She directed officials to ensure the entire amount is disbursed to traders ahead of the festival.

“All pending, undisputed and genuine refund applications must be processed strictly in accordance with the rules and on a priority basis,” she told the department, as per the PTI report.

To accelerate the process, the Delhi GST department has developed an advanced IT module in collaboration with IIT-Hyderabad. The system uses data analytics, automation and expedited verification to ensure quicker settlement of refund applications.

Gupta said this move would provide timely relief, improve liquidity for traders, reduce litigation costs and “collectively accelerate Delhi’s economic growth.”

The chief minister underlined that strengthening the ease of doing business remains a top priority for her administration. She also announced the creation of a Traders’ Welfare Board with representation from the city’s trading community to ensure their concerns are addressed.