The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Nov 17: In a crucial meeting at Raj Bhawan on November 16th, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) delegation, led by President Javed Ahmad Tenga, engaged with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
Secretary General Faiz Bakshi and Treasurer Zubair Mahajan were also present, highlighting the recent loss of 5 houseboats, amounting to crores, and the diminishing count from 1200 to 850 over the past decades.
The KCCI emphasized the existential threat to this globally renowned heritage product, pointing out that 25 houseboats were destroyed by fires between 2018 and 2023. Additionally, 207 faced damage or destruction due to natural calamities, awaiting permissions for repairs and reconstruction.
In response, the KCCI urged urgent short-term measures, including immediate relief, single-window permissions for reconstruction, subsidized timber supply, and enhanced fire-fighting services in Dal & Nigeen Lakes.
The President personally invited the LG to the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce exhibition at IITF during “Kashmir Divas” on November 18th, aiming to bolster government support for Kashmir handicrafts. The LG accepted the invitation and assured a visit to Pragati Maidan.
The KCCI also sought LG’s intervention with Jammu & Kashmir Bank for an OTS Scheme at the MSME level, covering borrowers with loans above 50 lacs, facilitating recovery and settling pending cases. Additionally, the absence of direct flights from Srinagar to Jeddah for Umrah pilgrims was highlighted, urging the LG to facilitate this vital connection.
Assuring positive consideration, the LG pledged continued support, concluding the meeting with expressions of gratitude from the KCCI for his guidance and assistance
