Delhi Government Proposes Initiatives to Boost Online Food Biz
In a bid to support the growing online food delivery industry and create a favorable environment for its expansion, the Delhi government has unveiled a draft policy on independent food outlets. The policy aims to streamline the licensing process, provide skills training for operators and employees, and facilitate access to affordable credit.
One of the key initiatives proposed by the government is the implementation of a single-window system, which will allow food businesses to obtain all necessary licenses and approvals from relevant departments through a simplified process. This move will greatly reduce the administrative burden on operators and enable them to focus on their core business activities.
Additionally, the government plans to provide skill training programs for staff working at registered outlets. By enhancing the skills of employees, the government hopes to improve service quality and ensure customer satisfaction.
To further support independent food outlets, the Delhi government’s labor department will introduce amendments to allow 24×7 operations. This flexibility will enable food businesses to cater to the growing demand for round-the-clock services.
In order to facilitate access to finance, the state-level bankers’ committee will work towards encouraging banks and financial institutions to provide easy and quick access to affordable credit to both new and existing operators. This financial support will enable businesses to expand and thrive in the competitive market.
The draft policy takes into account the increasing popularity of cloud kitchens and aims to provide a streamlined framework for their operations. The policy applies to various types of cloud kitchens, including those operating under different names such as cloud, ghost, dark, base, satellite, and virtual kitchens.
Currently, there are approximately 20,000 independent food outlets operating across Delhi, providing direct employment to around four lakh people, with an additional four lakh people being employed indirectly. With the growing trend of consumers ordering food online, the industry is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years.
The draft policy also addresses the challenges faced by food outlet operators, such as obtaining licenses and finding suitable rental properties. The government plans to allow new outlets to operate in both commercial and industrial areas. Additionally, outlets operating in areas less than 250 square meters will be exempted from obtaining a no-objection certificate from the Delhi Fire Services.
We are committed to creating a conducive environment for the development and modernization of independent food outlets by minimizing regulations. Our aim is to simplify and digitize the licensing and compliance requirements, thereby enabling these businesses to operate smoothly without any hindrances, said a government official.
To ensure a balanced approach, the government is seeking feedback on the draft policy from industry associations, individual players, and various associations representing different stakeholders.
The proposed initiatives are expected to fuel the growth of the online food delivery industry and provide a boost to independent food outlets in Delhi. By streamlining processes and providing training and financial support, the government hopes to create a thriving ecosystem for food businesses, ultimately benefiting both operators and consumers.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the draft policy announced by the Delhi government and may be subject to changes and amendments as it undergoes review and consultation with stakeholders.
