Delegation submits roadmap for economic revival, urges policy support for local businesses, innovation, clean energy, and tourism
The Biz Reporter
Srinagar | June 19: A high-powered delegation of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) – Kashmir Chapter, led by Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw, met the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Omar Abdullah, for a detailed consultation on economic and industrial development in the Union Territory.
The delegation, which included Co-Chairs Mr. Arshad Nizam Shawl and Mr. Javaid Anim, along with key members of the Executive Committee, presented a wide-ranging memorandum to the Chief Minister, highlighting urgent reforms needed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), promote tourism, improve infrastructure, and attract investment in Kashmir.
Shri Omar Abdullah acknowledged the significance of the issues raised and assured prompt follow-up. “We are committed to creating a progressive and investor-friendly ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. The inputs provided by PHDCCI will be studied carefully for actionable outcomes,” he said.
Key Issues and Policy Recommendations by PHDCCI-Kashmir:
- Strengthening MSMEs and Local Entrepreneurship:
Minimum 30% reservation in all GeM tenders by J&K departments exclusively for UT-based businesses.
Mandatory inclusion of “Resident Seller of J&K” filter in all government e-marketplace (GeM) bids.
Marketing support to improve market access for local MSMEs.
- Industrial Growth and Policy Support:
Fast-track disbursement of pending industrial incentives.
Consider green tax/entry cess at Lakhanpur to prevent undercutting of local manufacturers.
Proposal to create a Chief Minister-led Project Cell to accelerate funding, DPR clearances, and implementation of centrally-sponsored schemes.
- Tourism and Cultural Promotion:
Organizing buyer-seller expos, Apple and Saffron festivals.
Upgrading sports infrastructure and hosting national sporting events.
- Boosting the IT & Innovation Ecosystem:
Convert idle government buildings into plug-and-play IT hubs.
Promote local IT firms in government projects and encourage BPO investment through PHDCCI collaboration.
- Healthcare and Education Reforms:
Streamline Ayushman Bharat claim settlements for private healthcare providers.
Simplify regulations for private schools and rationalize municipal user charges.
Adopt PPP models to enhance school infrastructure.
- Financial Relief and Banking Sector Measures:
Extend moratoriums, credit lines, and restructure loans for distressed businesses without harming credit scores.
Allow diversification of industrial units (e.g., converting unused factories to hotels or schools).
- Clean Energy and Waste Management:
Subsidies and interest subvention for MSMEs adopting solar power.
Proposal for a Waste-to-Energy Plant at Srinagar’s Achan Landfill to tackle urban waste.
- Hospitality and Investment Confidence:
Early resolution of land lease renewals in key tourist zones like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar to boost hospitality sector morale.
Promote PPP investment models for employment and economic development.
The PHDCCI-Kashmir delegation expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s patient hearing and commitment to action. “We are encouraged by the government’s openness to work with stakeholders. It strengthens our resolve to collaborate for a vibrant and resilient economy in Kashmir,” said Chairman Mr. A.P. Vicky Shaw.
Other members of the delegation included Mr. Bilal Kawoosa, Mr. Haleem Bhat, Ms. Madina Mir, CA Anil Sharma, Mr. Shahid Khan, Mr. Shabir Abdullah, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, Ms. Qaiser Mir, Er. Owais Raja, and Mr. Iqbal Fayaz Jan, Deputy Director.
