Retailers Association of India (RAI) have urged the Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), to reconsider the prohibitive signage fees currently being imposed in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
These fees are significantly higher than those in other parts of India, placing a heavy financial burden on small and medium retail traders who rely on store signage to attract customers.
RAI, representing approximately 13,667 member establishments nationwide, including large and small retailers, is committed to fostering a supportive environment for the growth of modern retail in India. The current signage fees in Delhi NCR, particularly in areas such as Janakpuri, are making it increasingly difficult for retailers to afford the necessary signage that highlights their stores to the public.
For example, the average annual fee for illuminated (LED) signboards in Delhi stands at Rs 2,68,764, more than double the cost in Mumbai’s diverse localities such as Tardeo, Vashi, and Thane, where the fee is Rs 1,00,822.
This disparity in costs is a pressing concern for Delhi’s over 1 lakh retail traders, who are essential to the local economy. High signage fees not only increase the cost of doing business but also deter retailers from effectively promoting their stores, ultimately affecting their ability to attract customers and grow their businesses.
«A revision of these fees is crucial to reduce the financial burden on these businesses, ensuring they can continue to thrive and serve their