Srinagar:A delegation from The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat to discuss pressing issues impacting trade and commerce here.
The KCCI Executive Committee, representing various economic sectors, participated in the meeting and presented a detailed memorandum that addressed the challenges faced by the different sectors in Kashmir.
The KCCI’s memorandum raised significant concerns about the handicrafts sector, particularly highlighting the steep decline in exports. The Chamber emphasized the need for more opportunities for Kashmir Handicraft stake holders through participation in national and international exhibitions.
They proposed creating district-specific clusters to promote local crafts, upgrading and expanding GI related infrastructure and manpower the Craft Development Institute to support advanced training, and assigning a separate ITC (HSN) code specifically for Kashmiri handicrafts.
Additional requests included a reduction in GST rates for handicraft items, the establishment of an international expo mart, and organizing seminars focused on the revival of traditional crafts.
In the tourism sector, KCCI addressed issues such as simplifying the renewal process for tourism registration licenses to hotels, houseboats, restaurants , tour and travel trade and securing permissions for necessary repairs, renovations and upgrades in hotels at Pahalgham, Gulmarg, Sonamarg ,LCMA Jurisdiction and other areas.
They also proposed the installation of common sewage treatment plants and solid waste management systems in major tourist destinations, implementation of Cabinet order No: 224-TSM of 2012 dated 19-04-2012 related to promote sustainability. The memorandum suggested promoting sustainable development for new tourism destinations keeping regard for carrying capacity and environmental impact assessment, increasing marketing and promotional activities, and advancing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, as well as adventure tourism opportunities.
Further points included the rationalization of service charges levied on hotel industry, recognizing homestays and paying guest accommodations as legitimate residential activities, addressing the outdated Tourist Trade Act of 1978, and resolving issues related to hotel lease cases and introducing Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for central and Public Sector Undertaking employees during lean tourist season.
The horticulture sector was another focal area, with request for categorizing horticulture as a priority lending sector, implementing a structured land allotment policy, diversifying CA infrastructure data across North and Central districts, and promoting crop diversification.
The KCCI urged for crop insurance solutions and increased adoption of solar power for energy efficiency within this industry.
The KCCI also raised multiple concerns within the industrial sector, advocating for the simplification and consolidation of industrial policies, timely disbursement of the government’s turnover incentive, and efficient implementation of the New Central Sector Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir. Other key points included solar subsidies, the designation of specific field officers to support industry activities, the establishment of a cost equalizer mechanism, addressing issues stemming from the Gem Portal, the rehabilitation of ailing industrial units, handing over possession of industrial lands pending for 4 years, prioritizing skill development according to the requirements of modern times.
The KCCI demanded the announcement of a special One-Time Settlement Special (OTS) scheme by J&K Bank without riders, capping and tenure as per MSME norms in order to provide relief to traders and business owners facing financial challenges.
The KCCI advocated exercising restraint on JK Bank from publishing names , e-auction and possession notices until the Special OTS is announced.
They also advocated for power amnesty for commercial consumers and highlighted challenges facing private schools and the education sector, including difficulties in renewal of registrations, tagging of private schools with Government schools, recent harsh amendments, and the requirement of numerous NOCs.
Additional aspects covered in the memorandum included the problems of shortage of parking in markets and development of Shahre Khas , completion of incomplete projects under Srinagar Smart City Projects, encroachment of footpaths resulting in business losses over decades , promotion of start-ups and women entrepreneurs, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, improving power availability during winter months, establishing a single-window system for ease of doing business, conservation efforts for environmental sustainability, the establishment of common sewage and waste management systems in tourist areas, wetland conservation , disastrous consequences of deep Riverbed mining, importance and awareness about Disaster Management in context with 2005 Earthquake , 2012-13 snow and 2014 flood disasters . The delegation also raised issues related to lack of data and shortage of rehabilitation centers to address rising drug addiction menace, illogical airport parking charges, and complications of tenants with the Waqf Board.
The delegation expressed hope for prompt government intervention to address these issues, recognizing the potential for economic growth and sustainability across all sectors. Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah assured the Chamber of the administration’s commitment to support the growth of trade, commerce , industry and other issues flagged by KCCI in the region. The Chief Minister also desired the review meetings will be held every three months and also regularly remain in touch. The President KCCI thanked the Chief Minister for providing the first opportunity to KCCI for the meeting.
