The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Aug 20: A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by its President, Javid Ahmad Tenga, along with Senior Vice President, Ashiq Shangloo, Secretary General, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, and Past President, Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, held a meeting with Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani which attended by senior government officials at the Civil Secretariat to deliberate upon the fallout of the recently unearthed rotten meat scandal and its wider economic and social repercussions.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Industries and Commerce, Vikramjeet Singh, Director Handicrafts and Handloom and other senior government officials.
KCCI strongly demanded that the Government should publicly name and shame those found involved in the trade of rotten meat and also disclose their supply chains. There is an urgent need for a fast-track investigation into the rotten meat incident, as it has created widespread panic and shaken public confidence in the food supply chain. Swift and transparent action must be taken to identify and punish those responsible, ensuring that such lapses are not repeated.
The Chamber emphasised that such disclosure would enable the public to differentiate between defaulters and genuine businesses, safeguarding the interests of honest traders while protecting consumers from further exploitation.
The delegation conveyed its appreciation to the Government for the prompt and decisive action in exposing the network engaged in distributing rotten and substandard meat across the Valley. The Chamber observed that this bold step has not only safeguarded public health but has also reinforced the message that food safety is non-negotiable.
At the same time, the delegation highlighted the severe aftershocks of the scandal. Public confidence in dining outside has collapsed, with restaurants and cafés witnessing nearly 80 percent decline in customer footfall. Hospitality businesses are under serious financial stress, many are struggling to sustain operations, and thousands of youth employed in the sector face job losses.
The delegation also drew attention to the state of the poultry sector, which has shrunk drastically from once meeting 80 to 85 percent of local demand to barely 15 percent today. This collapse has severely impacted farmers, entrepreneurs and youth engaged in poultry farming, while forcing dependence on outside imports of doubtful quality.
KCCI called for upgradation of FSSAI and stronger support from Health Department, SMC, and Police for strict enforcement of quality standards.
To restore confidence and revive affected sectors, KCCI recommended a multi-pronged strategy. For the hospitality industry, it called for strict enforcement of transparency and accountability in food safety, regular inspections with results made public, establishment of modern hygienic slaughterhouses under veterinary supervision, and the launch of an “Eat Safe Kashmir” certification programme with QR-coded hygiene records to rebuild public trust. The Chamber further urged suspension of frozen chicken and meat imports until robust certification, traceability, and cold-chain monitoring systems are established.
For revival of the poultry sector, KCCI proposed temporary suspension of dressed chicken imports, allocation of land for hatcheries, feed mills and dressing plants in industrial estates, and full implementation of the J&K Poultry Policy with mandatory licensing, veterinary oversight, and biosecurity compliance. The Chamber also called for the creation of a UT-level Poultry Task Force comprising government departments and poultry representatives to monitor imports and enforce standards. Additional measures suggested included financial relief for struggling poultry farmers through loan moratoriums, restructuring and interest subvention, and the introduction of a biosecurity cess on imports with proceeds reinvested in local infrastructure and farmer support.
In addition, the delegation urged the J&K government to use its good offices to secure a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on handicrafts from the current 12 percent to 5 percent. The Chamber underlined that handicrafts are a backbone of Kashmir’s economy and employment generation but are presently under tremendous stress. A GST reduction, it said, would provide the necessary fiscal relief to artisans and exporters to remain competitive in domestic and international markets.
The handicrafts sector of Kashmir is a cultural treasure, deeply rooted in the teachings and legacy of the revered Sufi saint Shah-i-Hamdan (RA). For over six centuries, this tradition has not only provided a dignified livelihood to thousands of families but has also brought global recognition to Kashmir for its unmatched artistry and craftsmanship. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) strongly advocates the protection and preservation of this rich craft and culture, which remain a cornerstone of our identity and heritage.
The Chamber stressed the need to expedite testing and certification of GI-tagged products at the PTQCC lab in Baghi Ali Mardan Khan to ensure credibility and market trust. The KCCI delegation strongly demanded greater protection for genuine handicrafts.
Responding to the delegation, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, assured that the Government is fully committed to addressing public concerns regarding food safety in a firm and transparent manner. He emphasised that strict enforcement of standards would continue, while safeguarding the interests of both consumers and genuine businesses. He said KCCI should play a prominent role in restoring consumer confidence in the food chain and restaurant sector by actively engaging with stakeholders.
The government functionaries further assured the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) that their suggestions would be given due consideration to ensure that consumers receive quality food products and that the interests of honest businessmen are protected.
