Traders in Delhi have started getting GST refunds pending since 2019, with the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led Government disbursing `694 crore out of the total due payment of `1,600 crore ahead of Diwali. Hailing next generation GST reforms introduced last month, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday said her Government, so far, has disbursed `694 crore in refunds adding it is a record achievement.
The Chief Minister highlighted that since the beginning of this financial year, her government has been working systematically to streamline the GST refund process for traders. According to her, the Department of Trade and Taxes has so far (from April to the present, FY 2025–26) resolved a total of 7,375 refund applications and transferred a record `694 crore to traders for their rightful dues.
The Government also achieved another milestone by releasing `227 crore in refunds in September alone, the highest monthly figure in Delhi’s refund history. Commending the coordinated efforts of the Trade and Taxes Department, the Chief Minister said that timely refunds not only foster trust among commercial establishments but also inspire traders and MSMEs to operate more efficiently and confidently.
She said the Delhi Government is committed to ensuring that every trader, big or small, receives their GST refund within the stipulated timeframe. She praised the performance of the GST team and noted that officials from the concerned department are using modern technology to expedite refunds, ensuring that the pending amounts are directly credited to traders’ bank accounts swiftly.
Rekha Gupta said her Government is working earnestly to promote policies that ensure Ease of Doing Business. To this end, redevelopment plans for major markets are being prepared, and the Delhi Vyapari Kalyan Board has been established to address the issues faced by the trading community and ensure smooth business operations.
She emphasised that the easier it becomes for traders in the Capital to conduct their business, the faster the dream of a Viksit Delhi will be realised. Therefore, efforts to expedite trader refunds are being pursued with utmost seriousness. The Chief Minister noted that the previous Government had failed to take the issue of GST refunds seriously, leading to a significant backlog. However, her government treated the matter with due urgency.
To make the refund settlement process faster and more transparent, the GST Department, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has developed an advanced IT module based on data analytics, data automation, and rapid verification mechanisms. This system allows refund applications to be processed much more efficiently.
“Our effort is to ensure that by Diwali, substantial refund amounts reach the business community, further strengthening their faith in the Government and making their festive celebrations even more joyous,” she added. Reiterating her Governments’ commitment to ensureing timely GST refunds for traders of all scales, Rekha Gupta said she has issued clear instructions to officials to expedite the settlement of all pending, undisputed, and genuine refund claims.
According to the Chief Minister, prioritised and time-bound refunds will ensure adequate liquidity for traders, reduce the stress caused by litigation, and in turn, accelerate Delhi’s economic growth. She added that the broader impact of these reforms would be instrumental in achieving the vision of a Viksit Delhi. “Our Government’s goal is to strengthen Ease of Doing Business for traders. The Government continues to simplify regulations and remove unnecessary hurdles to foster a more business-friendly environment,” she concluded.
