The Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, on Wednesday announced that Delhi will shortly permit a third-party audit for fire licenses and will also ensure that a single-window licensing regime is introduced for hotels and restaurants within the NCT of Delhi. Elaborating on the third-party audit mechanism, she said the initiative will be a key step toward enhancing ease of doing business for hoteliers and restaurant owners. She added that measures will be taken to facilitate the issuance of various licenses required from MCD, DDA, and the Delhi Government through a unified single-window system. The Chief Minister stated that this decision was taken during a recent fire review meeting and noted that previous governments had left several critical licensing issues pending. She said the present government is prioritizing these cases to streamline operations for the hospitality sector.
Inaugurating the Summit 2025 – Viksit Delhi, Viksit Tourism & Hospitality: Together Towards a Viksit Bharat, jointly organized by the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), the Chief Minister also advised hotels and restaurants to install mist-fogging systems on their rooftops to address rising pollution in the city. She said the move would help reduce air pollution while lowering water consumption in areas where hospitality establishments are located. The Chief Minister further noted that mist fogging has already begun in several prominent areas of Delhi and will be expanded further to help curb pollution.
Meanwhile, FHRAI President Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal presented the association’s initiative to replace anti-smog guns with affordable, sustainable pollution-mitigation solutions. The proposed dry-fog technology uses nearly 90 percent less water and enhances air purification, making it a practical and scalable option for the hospitality sector. He appreciated the Delhi Government’s commitment to policy reforms, including the recent decision to scrap the mandatory Eating House License and police clearance requirements for the industry, and welcomed the assurance that fire licensing will be enabled through third-party audits and multiple licenses will be integrated under the single-window system.
Smt. Gupta also assured hotel and restaurant owners that more reformative steps will be taken to position Delhi as a hub for events and conferences, ensuring that no international visitor leaves India without exploring the capital. She said the government aims to build a positive image for Delhi, noting that the development of the capital was neglected by earlier administrations. With the BJP returning to power after 27 years, she said the government is committed to showcasing Delhi as an attractive destination for all visitors. The Chief Minister added that with Prime Minister Modi’s efforts, Diwali has been included in UNESCO’s list, and the festival must be promoted globally.
The Summit also featured an exhibition of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) from seven states, showcasing a wide range of regional and GI-tagged products. Speaking about the FPO–hospitality engagement, Ms. Ankita Jaiswal, Chairperson – Sustainable & Responsible Tourism (HRANI & UPHRA), said the initiative bridges a long-standing gap between FPOs and the hospitality sector. She emphasized that the exhibit is not only about sourcing produce but also about strengthening identities, enabling growth, and giving farmers the recognition they deserve. She added that a similar FPO exhibition organized by FHRAI last month, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, received extensive participation from across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Neeraj Kharwal, IAS, Managing Director of ITPO, highlighted the importance of sustained policy support, infrastructure expansion, and an improved ease-of-operations framework to strengthen the growth trajectory of the hospitality and tourism sector. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Garish Oberoi, Honorary Secretary of FHRAI and Past President of FHRAI & HRANI, who acknowledged the government’s progressive reforms, including scrapping the Eating House License, streamlining licensing responsibilities to bodies such as MCD, and introducing a new Draft Industrial Policy to boost MICE tourism through PPPs and skill development initiatives.
A high-level panel discussion titled “Branding Delhi for Growth Opportunities” was moderated by Mr. Ashwni Kumar Goela, Area General Manager, Rajasthan & Agra, Radisson Hotel Group, and General Manager of Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport. The panel included Dr. L. R. Verma, Municipal Health Officer, MCD; Mr. Kamal Kant Pant, Principal, IHM Pusa; Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council; and Chef Rakesh Sethi, Corporate Chef, Radisson Hotel Group. The discussion focused on destination branding, urban cleanliness and safety, skill alignment, sustainable tourism practices, pollution-control measures, and improving Delhi’s image as a visitor-friendly city capable of catering to global travelers.
The inaugural session also featured the presentation of Special Awards of Excellence in Hospitality, recognizing individuals and organizations for innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and workforce development. Awardees included leaders from The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, ITC Maurya, ECOIL – Sustainable Hospitality, Le Meridien, Gulati Restaurant, Umrao Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport, Shangri-La Eros, The Claridges, The Park, Pride Hotels, The Leela Palace New Delhi, Radisson Hotel Group, Gola Sizzlers, and Kwality Group.
The technical sessions that followed included a presentation on the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) program by EC Oil, highlighting food safety and circular-economy practices, and a session by ONDC Category Lead Mr. Rishi Gupta on digital-market access and enablement for hospitality businesses. The event also saw participation from various industry leaders, including Mr. Amarvir Singh, EC Member FHRAI & Hony. Secretary HRANI, and Mr. Pranay Aneja, EC Member FHRAI, reflecting strong support for the summit’s objectives.