Citizens Forum shows concern over dwindling economy

‘Waive off or defer interest on small, MSME business’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 2: Citizens Forum Jammu while appreciating the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitaraman for admitting the drastic fall in the economic growth of the country, resulting in the depression in business and industry and thus effecting the Jammu region maximum, has appealed her to waive off or defer the interest of small and MSME business for six months to give them the buffering time till economy of the country and the State is revived.
In a statement issued here, today, R K Chadha, president, Citizens’ Forum said Jammu business and industries are suffering from soaring debt of banks, because of the weakened demands. He said the Jammu industries and business is facing enormous problems and the Forum appeals Finance Minister to provide Financial assistance and all other financial benefits to avoid becoming these units insipid or sick ultimately turning into NPA. Helping few large industries in the country and reduction in interest is not the solution unless strong domestic microeconomic fundamentals should act as a buffer against volatility, he added.
Chadha further said Jammu needs heavy investments to encourage the economic growth, jobs and flip to demands of the region. “We welcome the announcement of 50,000 jobs for the State and request the Governor Satya Pal Malik to ensure equitable share of jobs to all districts of Jammu and Kashmir without any harassment to the candidates as the practice prevailed in the past’’, he added.
The other signatories to the statement included ADGP (retd) S S Wazir, Dr Ravinder Madan, Dr Arun Gupta (MIER) R K Handa, VC (retd) JDA, Arun Sharma, S K Gupta Chief Engineer (retd), Harbans Wahi, Jit Pal Sahni, Advocates Ashok Parihar, Anil Sethi, Anuj Dewan Raina, Aditya Sharma, Ashok Misra, M S Kapoor (retd) Engineer, Mrs Veena Handa, Mrs Sarita Oswal, Samir Bhasin and Sunny Dua.