Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 13: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) today informed about the meeting of its office bearers with LG Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan here, during which several concerns related to J&K’s economy were raised while a detailed memorandum highlighting important issues was also submitted.
In a statement issued, the trade body said that the members of the KCC&I team, led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, were congratulated by LG Sinha on their recent appointment to the executive body. He acknowledged the crucial role played by KCC&I in the economic development of UT and appreciated their efforts.
KCC&I said that the memorandum submitted to LG Sinha encompassed a wide range of sectors and issues. “The topics included the G-20 Tourism Working Group Meeting, the establishment of a Pashmina raw material bank, the need for testing facility upgrades, the introduction of a separate HSN Code for Pashmina and other value-added handicraft items, and a reduction in GST on handicrafts.”
Additionally, the statement said, the KCC&I emphasized the creation of district-wise handicraft clusters, labelling and quality control measures, and the development of Inland Container Depots and Special Economic Zones for exports.
“Other areas of concern discussed were tourism promotion, ease of doing business, a single-window clearance system for license renewals, common Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), lease issues, industrial sector revival, land allotment, marketing policy, and continuity of incentives under the 2016 Industrial Policy.”
During the meeting, the KCC&I also raised banking matters such as one-time settlements, non-performing assets (NPAs), and the Securitization and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act.
During the meeting, LG Sinha also expressed his displeasure over a significant number of complaints related to overcharging, misleading practices, harassment, and the sale of counterfeit items to tourists.
“He urged taking measures to promote fair trade practices among stakeholders. He warned that if these issues persisted, the Government would be compelled to take strict action against those responsible,” KCC&I said.
Apart from Tenga, those who were part of the delegation included Ashiq Hussain Shangloo, Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, and Umar Nazir Tibat Baqal.
The delegation further requested the inclusion of horticulture in the priority sector, crop insurance, and the establishment of a dedicated corridor for fruit transportation.
The statement said that LG Sinha assured them that each concern would be thoroughly examined and promptly addressed while advising the trade body to focus on initiatives for women’s development.
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