From correspondents in Delhi, India, 06:31 PM IST

Delhi Finance Minister A.K. Walia Wednesday said he had instructed officials of the trade and taxes department not to harass city traders during the ongoing festive season.

Walia has also told the VAT department to issue instructions to its field staff to be more courteous with traders, a ministry statement said.

'The inspectors will not visit any shop and will not conduct any raid without the prior permission of the commissioner. The decision has been taken because traders of Delhi have been sincerely rendering cooperation,' Walia said.

He also appealed to traders to continue issuing receipts of every sale and transaction.

'This is helpful in maintaining mutual trust between the department and traders. The department of trade and taxes will become more trade-friendly,' the minister said.

He said that there had been an appreciable increase in the tax revenue, which is required for the constant development of the city.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)