Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 21: A delegation of members of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by Javed Ahmed Tenga, former President, today held a detailed meeting with Mohammed Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
The meeting was for following up on issues regarding trade, commerce and industry, raised during the interaction held with the Advisor to the Lt Governor, Baseer A Khan on May 19. Mr Tenga provided suggestions for the weaker sections connected with trade and commerce who require urgent assistance.
The delegation comprised of Wahid Malik, President Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Owners Federation; Abrar Ahmed Khan, Chairman J&K Economic Confederation, Batamaloo Traders Association and All Traders Transporters Co-ordination Committee; Fayaz Punjabi, President, Joint Coordination Committee of City Centre (JCCCC); Irfan Jeelani, Spokesperson JCCCC and Ashaq Hussain Shangloo (JCCCC), Afaq Ahmad, representing Pharma and FMCG Distribution sector, Nasir Hamid Khan representing General Trade.
Wahid Malik requested the administration to consider allowing takeaway and home delivery activities for the Restaurants and Café sector. He assured the authorities that COVID appropriate behaviour would be followed by the stakeholders.
Abrar Ahmad Khan raised the issue of wholesalers/distributors facing problems in supplying goods to dealers. He requested the authorities to intervene for smooth movement of supply of essential goods. He further stated that cash assistance of Rs 5,000 per month for the drivers/cleaners belonging to the transport sector for the period of COVID lockdown needed to be considered. He also requested that as was done last year, the Government may consider providing food kits for the vulnerable sections.
Afaq Sarwar stated that the Pharma/FMCG distributors were also facing problems in delivery of goods as movement passes were yet to be issued. Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi and Irfan Jeelani requested giving priority for vaccinating the owners and employees of business areas. Ashaq Hussain Shangloo requested that the facility similar to Jammu may also be provided to the shopkeepers here so that the stocks are not damaged. They also demanded early operationalisation of the parking area being developed near Kothibagh Police Station.
Nasir Hamid Khan invited the attention of authorities towards the semi-essential category of businesses like tyre shops/puncture repairs and stationery shops.
Aijaz Ahmed stated that the suggestions would be considered and necessary directions shall be issued after consultations and reviewing the situation on ground.