Omar stresses on making Public Sector Undertakings profitable ventures

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 16: Asking the functionaries of Government undertakings to make the corporations viable and profitable ventures, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Saturday assured full support to these bodies to strengthen and expand orbit of business.
“We would like you to stand on your own feet, earn profits and decide about your perks and allowances of your own”, he told them asserting that financially sound and profit earning ventures are within their rights to enhance salaries and other allowances.
Addressing the functionaries of Jammu and Kashmir Industries (JKI) and industrialists in private sector after inaugurating Sales-cum-Marketing Centre of Kashmir silk products at Rajbagh Silk Factory, the Chief Minister said that modern designing and consumers interests should be factored in the production of heritage items of handicrafts Jammu and Kashmir is renowned for.
The Chief Minister said that Government undertakings are presently in competition with the private sector and they have to exhibit their skill and managerial capacity to make their mark in the open market and ensure economic viability of the undertakings.
Omar Abdullah said that his Government is more than willing to provide full support by way of equipment, finances, trainings, infrastructure to the Government undertakings to improve functioning and achieve new highs both in marketing and production.
Referring to the recent improvement shown by the public undertakings under industries and commerce sector, the Chief Minister said that the march of the Government corporations on road to progress is highly encouraging. “The considerable forward movement you have shown during last three years is worth noting”, he said appreciating the Industries Minister and his team of officers for infusing new energy in the Public Sector Undertakings.
Omar Abdullah told the JKI to involve Tourism Department in opening retail outlets of their products at various tourist places so that visitors visiting these areas are able to purchase the products hassle-free. He told them to explore the possibility of such a sale centre in Gulmarg near the Gandola. “This would not only enhance your sales but showcase the handicrafts of the State positively”, he added..
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of collaborating with local talent and experts in designing and production to evolve products of present market attraction. He also laid stress on scrupulous transaction of business keeping the interests of corporations above the personal benefits.
The Minister for Industries, S. S. Slathia and Minister of State for Industries, Dr. Manohar Lal also spoke on the occasion while Minister for Medical Education, R. S. Chib, Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Devender Singh Rana, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce, Shant Manu, Managing Director JKI and various senior officers of Industries Department were present on the occasion.