in J&K Economy

Kashmir Inc. jointly meet LG Murmuru; raise concerns on economic climate, demand Internet

2 January 2020, 9:05 pm 914 Comments

ZT News Network

JAMMU: A high-profile joint delegation of Kashmir’s business, industry and trade sectors today met the Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu here at the Raj Bhavan and apprised the Lt Governor about their concerns related to the business and economic climate in Jammu & Kashmir.

Sources in the delegation told Ziraat Times that the delegation emphasized that “development will take place when the atmosphere is cordial, when all the detained persons, including politicians, religious leaders, business leaders, youth and civil society members, will be released.”

“We also highlighted that economic prosperity cannot come till the situation remains disturbed”, a group member said.

The joint delegation was comprised of representatives from several trade associations of Kashmir including Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Hotel & Restaurant Owners Federation, J&K Association of Haj & Umrah Companies, J&K Tourism Alliance, Kashmir Automobile Dealers Association, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Federation of Chamber of Industries Kashmir, House Boat Owners Association, Private Schools Association, Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association, Information and Technology Association and other kindred associations.

According to a government spokesperson, the members of the delegation raised several issues and demands related to the trade fraternity of Kashmir region. They highlighted the demand for the restoration of internet and said that the move is required for the economic growth of the region, besides it will assist the trade fraternity of Kashmir in timely filing of GST returns, up-dation of records, licenses and permits etc.

“The delegation also projected demands related to reduction of one time token tax on vehicles, freight transport subsidy for raw material, designated parking slots, rehabilitation of houseboat owners, Industry status to Hotels and Restaurant units, establishment of custom office facilities in Srinagar and minimum two direct flights per week for the pilgrims going to Umrah”, the spokesperson said.

“The business delegation also put forth the issue of high air-fares charged by the Airlines especially during the closure of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and grant of status of National Highway to Mughal Road for better and enhanced connectivity”, the spokesperson said.

According to official account of the deliberations, the Lt Governor interacted with the members of the delegation and assured them that the restoration of internet service will be done in a phased manner. He said that the steps like restoration of internet in Hospitals and SMS service were already being taken in this regard.

“He observed that the government is aware of the difficulties faced by the trade community as well as the general public due to the internet ban and is actively considering the modalities to restore the internet service”, government press statement issued on the matter says.

On Agriculture and Horticulture losses, the Lt Governor observed that the government has already assessed the losses suffered by the farmers due to heavy snowfall and untimely rains and will soon initiate the necessary measures in this regard. The Lt Governor also assured the delegation that all the genuine issues raised by them would be looked into meticulously by the Government and redressed at the earliest, the statement further adds.

Kewal Kumar Sharma and Farooq Khan- Advisors to Lieutenant Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary and Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance were present on the occasion.