Markets to go online, cloud kitchen policy soon

The markets in Delhi are set to have a new digital platform called Dilli Bazaar, which will connect vendors with customers both nationally and globally. The Delhi government announced that the initial phase of the platform will feature 10,000 vendors. This is the first portal of its kind in the country, and the government is in the final stages of launching it. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal chaired a meeting to review the progress of the project.

Additionally, the government plans to introduce a cloud kitchen policy that will streamline the licensing process through a single-window system and a digital platform. Kejriwal stated that this scheme aims to support independent food outlets and create more job opportunities. The Dilli Bazaar will be an open network for digital commerce, offering buyers the freedom to choose. The products on this platform will be more affordable compared to those on e-commerce portals, as there will be no setup costs. The government’s goal is to have over one lakh shops in Delhi registered on the portal within six months of its launch. All shopkeepers in Delhi will be eligible to sign up.

The Dilli Bazaar platform will emphasize the “Go Local” concept, allowing customers to search for products, markets, sellers, and specific geographical areas. It aims to promote and enhance the local shops in various markets of Delhi by offering search options based on market, shop name, and product category.

Regarding the cloud kitchen policy, Kejriwal mentioned that it will benefit approximately 20,000 establishments and create job opportunities for numerous workers in Delhi. The policy will incorporate suggestions from citizens and entrepreneurs, and the government will release a white paper on it for public input.

Notably, operators and entrepreneurs in cloud kitchens will no longer need to obtain licenses from various government departments. Instead, they can apply for licenses through a single portal provided by the Delhi government. Currently, cloud kitchen operators must navigate the licensing process with different government organizations such as the municipal corporation, police, fire department, and Delhi Development Authority. However, there is no concrete policy for these establishments yet, as stated by an official.

Once the cloud kitchen policy is finalized, these establishments will be allowed to operate for 24 hours in commercial areas without the need for a no-objection certificate from the fire department, as long as their space is less than 250 square feet, the government confirmed.