The Delhi government is making significant strides in enhancing the licensing process for cloud kitchens. As part of their ongoing efforts, officials announced on Wednesday that a new policy is in the works. This policy aims to introduce a simplified and efficient single-window system for issuing licenses to cloud kitchens in the city.
As per an official statement, the policy will encompass suggestions from both citizens and entrepreneurs. To ensure transparency and encourage public participation, the government intends to issue a White Paper. This White Paper will invite feedback from all stakeholders, facilitating an inclusive approach to decision-making.
A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, to discuss the policy concerning Independent Food Outlets (Cloud Kitchen). The meeting was attended by Industries Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, emphasizing the significance of their involvement in the discussion.
As per the policy, independent food outlets will have the freedom to operate 24/7, and establishments smaller than 250 square feet will be exempted from obtaining a license. To extend financial support to businesses, a state-level banking committee will be established, aiming to provide necessary financial assistance, as mentioned in the statement.
According to the Delhi government, independent food outlets include cloud kitchens, ghost kitchens, dark kitchens, base kitchens, satellite kitchens and virtual kitchens.
According to the statement, the average size of an independent food outlet typically varies between 600 square feet and 2,000 square feet.
Kejriwal, during the meeting, emphasized the introduction of a plan aimed at regulating independent food outlets, with the primary goal of creating ample employment opportunities within this sector.
He highlighted that this policy will not only bolster Delhi’s economy but also pave the way for the creation of new job opportunities.
As per the statement, operators and entrepreneurs managing these cloud kitchens will have the convenience of applying for licenses through a streamlined single-window portal.
The statement highlighted that cloud kitchen operators currently face challenges in obtaining licenses as they have to navigate through multiple government organizations such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, police, fire department, and Delhi Development Authority. This cumbersome process creates various difficulties for them.
The statement further mentioned that the absence of a robust policy has led to numerous individuals operating cloud kitchens without obtaining the necessary licenses.
Currently, around 20,000 cloud kitchens and independent food outlets are operating in different parts of Delhi. Approximately 4 lakh people are working with or associated with these establishments in some way, according to the statement.
