The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, June 14: A delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by its President Arun Gupta met Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary during a function organized by the Trade & Industrial Cell at KC Regalia, headed by Vikram Puri. The Dy. CM felicitated the newly elected Chamber team with a bouquet at the outset.
During the interaction, President Arun Gupta raised a slew of key issues and pending developmental demands with the Deputy CM. He urged immediate attention to incomplete projects such as the beautification of the River Tawi banks, the Tawi Artificial Lake, and the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex to enhance tourism in Jammu, famously known as the City of Temples. He also sought the rejuvenation of the Patnitop Development Authority by allowing commercial activity and establishment of luxury hospitality infrastructure to transform it into a viable tourist hub.
Gupta highlighted the longstanding issue of Gandhi Nagar Housing Colony residents whose properties remain entangled in procedural delays related to No Objection Certificates and transfer approvals. He described it as a grave injustice that needed urgent redressal.
The Chamber president further pointed out that no new residential or commercial colonies have been developed by the JDA or Housing Board for over three decades, demanding immediate steps in that direction. He also called for the full and immediate implementation of the LG administration’s order on resolving the Gair Mumkin Khad land issues.
Gupta also demanded expeditious reform of the long-pending Jammu Master Plan and proposed the revival of the Darbar Move system, emphasizing its role in fostering communal harmony between Jammu and Srinagar.
He raised concerns over delays in lease deeds and property possession related to Shiv Market at Railway Station, Sabzi Mandi and Fruit Mandi Narwal, and Bahu Plaza, pressing the Deputy CM for immediate resolution.
Highlighting the plight of shopkeepers displaced due to ongoing infrastructure projects like the flyover from Kunjwani to Satwari and Jammu-Akhnoor Road widening, Gupta appealed for their rehabilitation by providing alternate land for businesses.
On industrial matters, Gupta criticized the new Industrial Policy for favouring only new units while excluding existing ones from benefits such as GST-linked incentives. He urged the administration to extend all fiscal incentives to existing industries without imposing caps. He also demanded the removal of edible oil from the negative list, noting that J&K is the only Union Territory in India that has placed oil manufacturing in that category.
He brought attention to the problems faced by flour millers due to a 6% mandi tax on wheat procured from neighbouring states, which makes local production costlier. Gupta requested a subsidy or incentive to balance out the losses.
Furthermore, he appealed to the government to revoke cancellation orders for industrial plot holders who could not establish units due to lack of infrastructure, financial constraints, and the Covid-19 crisis.
The Chamber also stressed that all existing unit holders should be entitled to SGST benefits and sought government support for the struggling transport sector.
Other office bearers present in the meeting included Anil Gupta (Senior Vice President), Rajesh Gupta (Secretary), and Rajesh Gupta (Treasurer).
