CAIT urges Centre to spell out remedial measures against sealing

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), an apex body of traders, today urged the Centre to spell out remedial measures to ''protect'' Delhi traders and citizens from the second phase of ''sealing of commercial establishments''.

''Uncertainty is prevailing among the business community of Delhi about its future,'' CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said.

The Supreme Court recently ordered to partly stay some provisions of the Delhi Laws (Special provisions) Act, aimed at putting a one year moratorium on the demolition and sealing process in the capital.

''The traders who have been working since decades by investing their lifelong earnings are a worried lot. To bring an end to such an atmosphere, the Union Government must announce firm steps to deal with the situation,'' he added.

Mr Khandelwal said planning and development process during last four decades in Delhi was flawed.

''Development of commercial space was not done keeping in mind the pace of demand. Commercial activities have been dominant in residential areas for decades. Majority of the commercial outlets which are going to be affected with sealing, are running their livelihood through collateral loans arranged from banks and financial institutions,'' he added.

He said the sealing order is a ''death warrant'' for such shops as they have to face closure and go into liquidation with insurmountable debts.

Mr Khandelwal demanded that the Union Government take immediate remedial measure to save tens of lakhs of people of Delhi.

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