Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 30: Chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Northern Region Sameer Gupta today said that CII would mainly focus on six- point agenda including infrastructure development, tourism promotion, skill development and employment generation, not only in J&K state but in all the nine states of the region and the country as well.
Talking to Excelsior here today, Mr Sameer disclosed that CII has prepared a theme for this year and intends to focus on its six main agendas/ points which include, employment generation with Industrial growth, which is the most burning problem in the country today. He said skill development among the young generation and accord helping hand to the village, urban and sub- urban youth and develop work force, besides focus on infrastructure development, tourism promotion and manufacturing are the other areas where CII intends to focus. He referred to the Chinese products making inroads in India and cautioned that Indian industry has to compete them.
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While referring to great power potential in J&K, CII chairman (NR) said, there are many rivers in the State where more and more hydel power can be generated. The power tariff here is also less as compared to other states. The solar and wind energy are other sources where the Government is giving more stress these days. He said though there are several disadvantages to the Industry in State on account of its location, yet there is tremendous scope in tourism, handicrafts, wood based and Pharma Industry.
Commenting on the initiative of the CII on India Green Building Council, its chairman said when it was launched in the country during 2000, the targeted area covered under this campaign was just 15,000 sq ft but for 2022 a target of 10 bn sq ft has been fixed by the Confederation in the country. Some villages have also been taken for launch of this green initiative by the CII which will help a lot in containing rising environmental pollution. He referred to the example of Delhi, Noida and adjoining areas of NCR where pollution level is very high.
When asked about the efforts of CII in resolution of the issues J&K Industry, Sameer Gupta said he along with CII J&K State office bearers and industrialists discuss issues always and then take up with the higher authorities in the State. He said there were some issues related to GST, subsidy/ incentives, etc besides tourism promotion and they took up the same with the higher officials. He said there are about 2700 members of CII in Northern region and about 50 in J&K. The CII was well aware of the issues of Industrialist in J&K and will work for their resolution. When asked about the closure of over 60 industrial units in Jammu region in last two years after Govt stopped subsidy, Sameer said he do not believe on it, because subsidy will not help in sustaining industry for longer terms. CII always supports long terms measures for the sustainability of the Industry, he added.
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