Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 23: Rahul Sahai, chair of the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Jammu Chapter, led a delegation to meet with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, to present key issues and suggestions for the region’s industrial development.
Sahai highlighted the critical power supply issue for new industries in Ghati/Samba, where only 160 MW of the promised 320 MW is currently functional.
He urged for the remaining 160 MW to be commissioned promptly to enable operational readiness.
Additionally, Sahai requested the separation of industrial power feeders from residential and commercial ones to ensure uninterrupted supply for existing industries.
PHDCCI Jammu also sought an extension of the NCSS application date beyond September 30, 2024, and called for an increased budget to attract more investors.
Sahai emphasized the need for faster processing of documents and permissions for NCSS applications, suggesting maximum time limits for each type of permission to streamline the process.
A single window system was advocated to facilitate faster approvals.
Sahai addressed challenges in private land acquisition for industrial use due to various land classifications, urging the formation of a committee to resolve these issues.
He also highlighted the need for a permanent Sub Registrar in Kathua to expedite land registration processes.
For existing industries, Sahai stressed the importance of equal benefits under the NCSS 2021 package and urged for a special meeting with the finance department to expedite CGST reimbursements.
He called for expedited handover of Balol land to local entrepreneurs to benefit from the NCSS 2021 package.
Sahai also recommended the allocation of alternate sites for unsuitable industrial estates like Meencharakan and the provision of modern facilities in new industrial estates.
He called for a review of current rent and maintenance charges for residential quarters in old industrial estates managed by J&K SIDCO. Ensuring 24-hour power availability for existing industries was also deemed crucial.
Addressing concerns in the automobile industry, Sahai discussed the issue of unauthorized sales channels with Atal Dulloo.
He recommended imposing an additional tax on vehicles purchased from outside J&K, similar to measures in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, to combat revenue losses.
Sahai sought clarification on Motor Vehicle Tax calculations due to conflicting notifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the J&K Finance Department.
He suggested offering registration tax discounts on new vehicles under the Vehicle Scrappage Policy to boost demand and reduce pollution, citing models from Punjab and Chandigarh.
PHDCCI also advocated for the elimination of redundant physical inspections of new commercial vehicles and proposed a 100% road tax exemption for hybrid vehicles to promote eco-friendly transportation.
To further support the automotive industry, Sahai recommended forming an automobile service center cluster in industrial areas and implementing a “One State One Trade Certificate” policy to simplify business operations.
Lastly, Sahai highlighted the absence of CNG/PNG infrastructure in J&K and urged for its development to provide substantial savings and support environmental sustainability.
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