Various deputations call on Omar

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 22:   Various deputations, including a delegation of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and projected the demands for promoting trade and commerce in Jammu region.
The CCI delegation led by its president, M Y Sharma stressed for developing Jammu as independent tourism destination by developing tourism attraction places so that it may not lose its importance with the start of train to Katra.
The delegation members called for expediting the work on Mubarak Mandi ropeway project, artificial lake project, beautification of River Tawi and promotion of Border Tourism and cross border trade from Suchetgarh sector through Sialkot on the pattern of LoC trade in Poonch and Uri.
The CCI delegation also called for improvement of power scenario in the region, besides measures to de-congestion of roads in the winter capital by constructing flyovers along Janipur and Canal Road, construction of multi-tier parking slots and widening of the main roads. The members also demanded construction of warehouse on city outskirts to provide the youth an opportunity to invest in wholesale and retail business.
The members also raised other demands pertaining to the welfare of traders.
Another deputation of Traders Federation requested for rehabilitation of the shopkeepers of Chand Nagar area, where the local Gurduwara was being developed.
Yashpal Gupta, who was leading the traders’ deputation, demanded that a Traders Advisory Committee, involving the officials of concerned departments like CA&PD, Weight and Measures be constituted to solve the problems of the traders. He also demanded revision of   Food Safety Act and   simplification of VAT form to facilitate the traders.
A deputation of West Pakistan refugees also called on Chief Minister and highlighted their demands.
The West Pak refugees urged the Chief Minister for introduction of bill in the Legislative Assembly to make suitable amendment in the State Constitution to provide them all rights and privileges as provided under the Constitution of India.
They also requested the Chief Minister to take up the issue of special package of rehabilitation in the favour of Pakistani refugees such as financial assistance and special recruitment drive for children of West Pakistani refugees with the Union Government. The deputation also demanded voting rights in the Legislative Assembly elections on the ground that this would give them representation in the House and help in resolving their long pending demands.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to each deputation and said that the genuine demands would be given due consideration.