Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 16: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) today called on the government to recognize the challenges faced by MSMEs in Kashmir and take immediate action to fulfill its commitments to this crucial sector before it’s too late.
During a meeting with the Advisory Council of FCIK, the presidents of organized industrial estates in the Kashmir valley expressed their concerns about the government’s response to the plight of the industrial sector, especially MSMEs, which have faced significant challenges due to prolonged business disruptions in recent decades, particularly after 2008, 2009, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2019-21.
They accused the government of being unaware and unconcerned about the crises faced by MSMEs, and said that the industries department lacked clear and accurate information about their state, particularly in the Kashmir valley, noting that the failure of the government to intervene has resulted in the closure of a significant number of units, with the remaining ones operating at meager capacities.
The participants, FCIK said, criticized the industries department for creating more difficulties for MSMEs through their dictatorial approach and unilateral orders.
“They observed that all the wings of the department lacked cohesion, which has affected the working of MSMEs. The appointment of inexperienced officials has only added to the stress and tension of entrepreneurs. Most of the DICs in the valley after 2019 were manned by temporary arrangements without full-fledged General Managers,” they said.
The participants refuted the government’s claims of industrial growth and said that the government’s data probably did not reflect the ground realities of MSMEs. “MSMEs have been left to fend for themselves with continued onslaughts by different departments and institutions.”
Regarding changes in industrial policies, the members criticized the government for not consulting the stakeholders.
They expressed dismay over the unilateral decision of the industries department to charge part of the land premium from organized sector units with every change in their constitution or line of activity.
The members also criticized J&K Bank for taking extreme action against MSME defaulters by publicly tarnishing the image and credibility of entrepreneurs.
FCIK assured the presidents of organized sectors that they would take up their grievances with relevant quarters for redressal.
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