The Delhi government has announced an additional relief package for artisans affected by the INA fire in Delhi. On April 30th, a massive fire broke out in the INA Market, completely destroying 24 stalls and causing significant losses to the artisans.
New Delhi: The Delhi government has declared a significant relief package for artisans displaced by the devastating fire in the INA Market in the capital. The Delhi Chief Minister has not only approved the previously announced relief amount of Rs 5 lakh but has also announced that the government will provide these artisans with free stalls at Delhi Haat for six months. This decision has given a new ray of hope to the artisans devastated by the fire.
On April 30, 2025, a massive fire erupted in the INA Market, quickly turning 24 stalls into ashes. In this incident, goods worth lakhs of rupees, handicrafts, and the livelihoods of many families were burnt to ashes. Since the incident, the affected artisans have been worried about their rehabilitation.
Relief Fund of One Crore Twenty Lakh Approved
The Delhi government took immediate action and announced a grant of five lakh rupees each to the affected artisans. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra stated that a total amount of Rs 1 crore 20 lakh has been approved, and this amount will be directly transferred to the accounts of the 24 artisans. Mishra said that the Delhi government stands with its artisan brothers and sisters. This financial assistance is our first effort to help them get their lives back on track.
Free Stalls at Delhi Haat for Six Months
Besides the relief fund, the government has taken another major step. The affected artisans will be provided with free stalls at Delhi Haat INA for six months, from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. These stalls will be allocated through a lottery process to maintain transparency. The tourism department believes that this step will provide the artisans with an opportunity to re-establish their businesses.
Kapil Mishra said that Delhi Haat is not only a major platform for artisans from across the country, but the tourists and buyers who visit here also encourage handicrafts. We hope that this free stall facility will enable the artisans to become self-reliant again.
Relief for the Artisans
The artisans affected by the INA Market fire have welcomed this initiative by the government. Ashok Chaudhary, an artisan from Rajasthan, said, “The fire had taken away everything from us, but with the help of the Delhi government, there is now hope to start work again. Getting a stall at Delhi Haat will give us a good customer base and we will be able to stand on our feet again.”
The Delhi government has also clarified that if the artisans feel any additional need to re-establish their businesses in the future, the government will consider it. Continuous dialogue is ongoing between the Delhi Tourism Department and artisan organizations to address any needs in a timely manner.
