The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Feb 18: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) welcomes Prime Minister , Narendra Modi’s visit of Jammu & Kashmir next week. The Prime Minister’s visit is an important occasion and looked upon with expectation by people in general and business community in particular. The Prime Minister’s visit coincides with inauguration of some prestigious projects which are destined to play an important part in the development of Jammu & Kashmir. The opening of Reasi bridge being one of them. The visit provides an opportunity to the Prime Minister to take review of the progress on major developmental projects . It also provides an opportunity to the State Administration to draw Prime Minister’s attention on crucial projects Jammu & Kashmir needs to be sanctioned for long term development.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( KCCI) while thanking the Prime Minister for accepting many of its suggestions in the past looks up to Prime Minister with hope for considering suggestions critical for all round development of Jammu & Kasmir, more so , in view of the alarming rate at which the unemployment rate has been growing. The major concern being about this rate is not only higher than the national average but one of the highest in the Country.This despite the fact that numerous schemes have been announced by Lt. Governor during the past few years which need to be redoubled for meeting the challenges thrown up by serious unemployment problem.
In this context the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry ( KCCI) would lay emphasis on implementation of Prime Minister’s favourite EASE OF DOING BUSINESS Scheme. Presently non adherence to the system has resulted in reverse trend than accelerated business growth leading to
increased unemployment.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry invites Prime Ministers attention to the sufferings of Industrial sector ( once booming) in Jammu & Kashmir. The problems faced by this sector need to be addressed at a faster pace.The lack of infrastructure , multiple Industrial policies and lack of support to local industries has put a spanner in the wheels of development/ growth of local industry.
The Jammu & Kashmir has been returning to Normalcy which has resulted in considerable growth in tourist footfall. However, the ill equipped existing Airport Terminal is causing tremendous difficulties to travellers. The Srinagar Airport needs to be expanded and upgraded to enable it to cater to growing number of travellers.
The KCCI invites Prime Ministers attention to the power crisis Jammu & Kashmir in general and Kashmir province in particular has been experiencing. Earlier the power shortage was experienced during winter months but during 2023 the Kashmir Province faced unprecedented power outages even during the summer months resulting not only in huge losses to trade , commerce & industry but also inconvenience to domestic consumers.
The KCCI suggests the Government must offer subsidies for installation of solar power system to commercial customers on the analogy of Domestic Installations. This will not only help to meet power shortage but also augment power generation.
The KCCI stresses upon Creation of robust Tourism Infrastructure and Putting 2035 Srinagar Metropolitan Region Master Plan on fast track
, accord top priority to environmental sustainability in view of climate change / Global warming that has already resulted in irregular weather cycles In Jammu & Kashmir.
The KCCI also looks up to the Prime Minister for special focus on IT , Innovation , Startups , Women Development , horticulture, handicrafts and other sectors of economy.
