A deputation of Industries Association Kathua called on Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh and projected various issues related to the development of Kathua Industrial Estate and overall Industrial scenario in the state.Commissioner Secretary PDD Dheeraj Gupta, Chief Engineer PDD Jammu Ashwani Gupta, Development Commissioner Power Asgar Ali and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.The deputation led by President IAK, Devinder Verma raised the various issues including of overloading of existing 120 MVA transformer at Hatli Morh power grid station, availability of power at newly established Industrial Estate Ghati, construction of railway over bridge on Hatli road and continuation of various benefits to the industries as presently getting in VAT system after implementation of new GST regime in the State.Commissioner Secretary Dheeraj Gupta informed the Deputy Chief Minister that additional 50 MVA transformer has been already proposed for Hatli Morh power Grid Station and tendering process for the installation works is done.Dr Singh asked the concerned to speed up the works and said that after the installation Industry and other people will get adequate supply of power.Regarding availability of power in Ghatti Industrial Estate, it was informed that 160 MVA power station is to be created at an estimated cost of Rs 81 crore. The land has been allotted by SIDCO and PGICL is executing the works and assured that the works will be completed in given time frame.
Deputation further raised the issue of inconvenience to the industry workers because of no railway over bridge at railway crossing on Hatli road. Responding to the issue, Dr Singh said that he will take up this issue with the Union Railway ministry for its redressal.Speaking on implementation new GST regime in the state, the deputation requested the Deputy Chief Minister that industry should be provided with various benefits under GST as they are getting under existing VAT system.Dr Singh said that the he will discuss the issue with Finance department and assured them that government will create industry friendly atmosphere for the industrialists and budding entrepreneurs who are interested in setting up of business units in the state.He also asked senior officers to coordinate with Industries department and Pollution Control Board so that the process of granting all requisite permissions and No Objection Certificates to the interested investors can be issued in shortest possible time.Deputy Chief Minister said that government is keen to develop the industrial sector in the state and have taken many measures to facilitate ease of doing business. He directed the concerned officers to closely monitor the cases and respond accordingly to help the industrialists.