FOIJ resents withdrawal of purchase preference to local units by Govt

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 15: The Federation of Industries Jammu (FOIJ) has expressed strong resentment against the withdrawal of purchase preference given to the local units by the Government and proposed massive hike in power tariff for the Industrial sector of J&K.
In a meeting of the FOIJ held here today, its chairman Rajesh Jain alleged that J&K Govt has withdrawn purchase preference to the local micro/ small manufacturers trough Industrial Policy 1995, 2004, 2016 and 2021 for the procurement by various Govt agencies. The withdrawal of this purchase preference, has left many local unit holders/ manufacturers jobless. These local unit holders were manufacturing goods for Govt agencies, like PDD, PHE, Education, Social Welfare Deptt, Forest, Flood Control, Fire Services etc.
These units were established to cater to the needs of these departments. It is unfortunate that with the anti-Industry decision of the LG’s Administration, these unit holders have been forced to face closure. There seems to be some conspiracy to damage the local industry by some people within the Administration. The LG must take cognizance of the matter, Jain maintained.
He said the FOIJ is also worried over the massive power tariff hike proposed by the J&K Power Development Department. This decision of power hike shall not only hit the existing industry but also send bad signal to the upcoming investors for which Govt is putting all its efforts. The LG’s Administration must review its decision, Jain asserted.
The FOIJ further pleaded for the removal of anomalies in the Govt notifications providing incentives to local, micro and small units. It said the unit holders have been deprived of committed incentives. The FOIJ said that Govt must constitute a committee for the purpose.