Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani today held an interaction with representatives of Industrial and Trade Associations of Jammu province to discuss various issues concerning the industrial sector in Jammu & Kashmir. During the interaction, representatives of the Industrial Associations raised several issues pertaining to growth and sustainability of industries in the Union Territory.
The industrialists highlighted that, as on date, there is no fiscal package available for industries in J&K and stressed the need for continued policy support to strengthen the industrial ecosystem. The representatives expressed hope that the proposed Logistics Policy and Public Procurement Policy, presently under formulation, would address many of the challenges being faced by industries in the region.
The issue of extension in EM-I registrations for units allotted land at Balole Industrial Estate was also raised during the meeting. The Associations further requested introduction of auto-renewal mechanisms for Green Category Units to facilitate ease of doing business.
During the interaction, it was also suggested that dedicated routes for promotion of trekking tourism be identified and developed. The Associations further emphasized according priority to local industries and promotion of traditional sectors, particularly the woollen industry in Jammu & Kashmir.
Addressing the participants, the Advisor emphasized the Government’s commitment towards improving Ease of Doing Business and making industries in J&K more vibrant and competitive. He stressed that industrial growth must translate into employment generation and called for promotion of localized industries, particularly agro-based and wool-based sectors.
The Advisor further emphasized the need to support existing industrial units and encouraged industrialists to actively contribute towards sustainable industrial development in Jammu & Kashmir. The industrial representatives also sought continuation of turnover incentives and urged the Government to take up the matter of pending registrations under New Central Sector Scheme with the Central Government.
The representatives also advocated for extension of benefits under NCSS and highlighted the need for leveraging Artificial Intelligence, promotion of e-commerce, and according special focus to the service sector in the Union Territory.
The meeting was also attended by Managing Director, J&K SDICO/SICOP, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, Director, Industries and Commerce Jammu, Dr. Arun Manhas, President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry–Jammu, Arun Gupta, National Chairman, D2C Industry Association, M. A. Alim, Vice President, CII- Sidhant Choudhary, Chairman, ICC- Rahul Sahai, President-ASSOCHAM Sh. Manik Batra, Chairman, President, PHDCCI- Rakesh Wazir, Chairman, FICCI FLO- Ms. Varsha Bansal along with other officers from the Department of Industries and Commerce.
Later, several delegations and individuals also called on Advisor to Chief Minister at Civil Secretariat, Jammu and highlighted their issues before him seeking early intervention for redressal. A delegation of the Non-Teaching Employees Union, University of Jammu, raised service matters of non-teaching staff.
Chairman, All J&K Transport Welfare Association, Karan Singh called on the Advisor, put forth demands of the transport fraternity. Former President, Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Rakesh Gupta also met with Advisor and highlighted issues regarding amendment in the Society Act, J&K.
A delegation from Mohalla Welfare Committee, Gujjar Nagar, sought early release of compensation for flood-affected families of last year. The delegation requested expedite release of relief and rehabilitation assistance. The Advisor gave a patient hearing to all the deputations and individuals.
He assured them that genuine demands would be examined and redressed on priority. He further directed the concerned departments to look into the issues raised and take appropriate action in a time-bound manner.