In a heartfelt appeal, business leaders in Delhi’s industrial sector have called on the government to unlock the full potential of the capital’s manufacturing hubs by shifting from leasehold to freehold land ownership. The move, they believe, is critical to boosting India’s economic growth and achieving the ambitious target of a $5 trillion economy by 2025.

The meeting, held on September 30 at the Indian Industries Association (IIA) headquarters in Jhandewalan, saw industrialists voicing their frustrations and hopes. Dr. Mamta, Chairperson of IIA’s Delhi Chapter, stressed that despite a 2005 scheme aimed at converting leasehold industrial properties to freehold, only a lucky few have benefited. For many, the restrictions of lease agreements have been a chain around their growth.

“We’re sitting on enormous potential,” Dr. Mamta shared. “Delhi has 29 notified industrial areas, and yet so many of our businesses are held back because they don’t have freehold status. This is about more than just ownership; it’s about freedom—freedom to expand, to innovate, and to truly compete on a national and global stage.”

For industrialists, the shift from leasehold to freehold would be a game-changer. It would give business owners the peace of mind that comes with true ownership, allowing them to think long-term, without the constant worry of lease renewals and restrictions.

One local manufacturer, Vinod Sharma, spoke about how his business had struggled under the weight of uncertainty. “We’ve had big plans—new technology, expansion into new markets—but being stuck on a lease makes it hard to take those risks. Freehold ownership would open so many doors for us, including easier access to loans and investments.”

The industrialists’ plea goes beyond their own interests. They see freehold ownership as a way to energize the entire economy. With more secure land rights, businesses could grow faster, hire more workers, and contribute more to Delhi’s economy, which already has a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of $130 billion.

“If we can expand, we can create jobs,” Dr. Mamta explained. “This isn’t just about profits for a few—it’s about creating opportunities for thousands of people, from factory workers to engineers to logistics professionals.”

The potential ripple effect of a freehold policy is significant. More investments, both domestic and international, would flow into Delhi, further boosting the government’s “Ease of Doing Business” initiative.

Delhi’s industrialists believe that a freehold policy could be a key step toward achieving India’s $5 trillion economy goal. Freehold land gives businesses a sense of permanence, making them more likely to invest in long-term projects that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

“We’re ready to contribute to India’s future,” said Rajiv Malhotra, another industrialist at the meeting. “But we need the government to meet us halfway. Give us freehold rights, and we’ll deliver growth, jobs, and prosperity—not just for Delhi, but for the entire country.”

As Dr. Mamta put it, “This isn’t just a policy issue. It’s about giving us the tools to build a better future for everyone.”