The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Industrial Policy 2026, a 10-year roadmap with incentives across 10 sectors, according to reports dated October 14.

For founders, the notable parts are the support for hiring, with Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per new hire, and the higher ceilings for women-led enterprises. Capital investment, workspace rent, certification and technology upgrades are also covered.

The sector list leans towards IT, data centres, healthcare, logistics and precision manufacturing, which suits a city with limited land for large factories. The reports differ on whether waste management or circular economy is on the list.

Eligibility rules and timelines were not in the reports, and a dedicated agency, Invest Delhi, will assist investors. Founders should wait for the notification before planning around the incentives.

Support covers capital investment, workspace rent, hiring, research, certification, technology upgrades, energy efficiency and skill development, according to the reports.

An incentive of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 will be provided for each new hire, according to the same reports.

IT and digital firms can receive up to Rs 10 crore for digital infrastructure, and women-led enterprises up to Rs 12 crore, according to the reports.

Global capability centres can receive up to Rs 50 crore for infrastructure, and women-led ones up to Rs 60 crore, according to the reports.

Healthcare projects can receive capital investment assistance of up to Rs 10 crore in general cases, and hospitals with at least 1,000 beds could qualify for up to Rs 100 crore, according to the reports.

Women-led enterprises get higher incentive ceilings, and employers hiring women will receive enhanced recruitment incentives, according to the reports.

Invest Delhi will function as a dedicated government agency to assist investors and promote investment, according to the reports.

The policy seeks to position Delhi as a hub for clean, technology-driven and knowledge-based industries, according to the reports.

Secretariat Building, New Delhi (file image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0