Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 21: Former general secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu, Gaurav Gupta met with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha and discussed several pressing concerns faced by the business and industrial community in the region.
During the meeting, Gaurav highlighted key issues related to closure compliance, the malfunctioning of registration software, and the survival of the local flour milling industry. He pointed out the challenges posed by the outdated Shops and Establishments Act, 1966, which is stifling business operations, particularly for tourism and perishable goods sectors. He recommended that the administration adopt the Model Shops and Establishments Bill, 2016, which allows businesses to operate 24×7, aligning J&K with the “ease of doing business” framework already adopted by several States across India.
Gaurav also raised concerns over the non-functional registration software since January 2024, which has left over 1,500 individuals in Jammu unable to complete their land transactions, despite having paid the required stamp duties. This issue has created financial strain and stalled business activities. He requested the Lieutenant Governor’s immediate attention to resolve these technical glitches and ensure the smooth functioning of land registration processes.
He also discussed the dire situation facing local flour millers, who are at a competitive disadvantage due to toll tax exemptions and ‘mandi’ fee waivers 6% provided to millers in neighboring Punjab. These policies have allowed Punjab’s millers to sell flour products at significantly lower prices, undermining local businesses in Jammu. He urged the administration to either provide similar relief to J&K’s millers or engage in discussions with Punjab to establish fair competition.
Gaurav emphasized that addressing these issues is critical for the overall economic health and prosperity of J&K.
The LG gave a patient hearing to the issues put forth by Gaurav Gupta and assured him that the administration would take these matters into serious consideration.
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