Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 17 : Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir President Shahid Kamili (FCIK) today demanded that the Government should increase the filters on GeM portal for local entrepreneurs to minimum of Rs 2 crore.
He welcomed the issuance of order by the Finance Department regarding filters on GeM portal for local entrepreneurs but suggested the Government to increase the local filter cap of minimum of Rs 2 crore.
“It was one of our main demands which can encourage and boost local unit holders. We are thankful to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Advisor Baseer Khan and Financial Commissioner A K Mehta for issuing the formal order regarding local filter,” FCIK President Shahid Kamili said in a statement.
He, however, said that FCIK has reservations regarding the cap mentioned for local entrepreneurs.
“Rs 5 lakh is simply peanuts. Local filter cap on GeM portal should be raised to minimum of Rs 2 crore. If the Government is keen to boost the local industry, then local filter cap should be hiked. Rs 5 lakh cap won’t help local entrepreneurs who are already struggling to keep their units running after bearing the brunt of unfavorable conditions over the years,” he said.
It is encouraging that the Government through the Finance Department has directed all its departments to adhere to the order and prefer local entrepreneurs.
“The order can prove a shot in the arm that the industry really demands to survive and revive with a local filter cap of at least minimum of Rs 2 crore”, Kamili said.
He also asked the Government to ensure a mechanism is developed and implemented for equitable distribution among all unit holders in a phased manner.
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