Srinagar, March 11: Federation Chamber of Industries (FCIK) has a meeting with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Mohit Gera.
Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, Farooq Gilani, and other Forest Department officials were also present in a meeting.
The FCIK was led by Secretary General Ovees Qadir Jamie, who highlighted the various issues pertaining to the industry.
During the meeting FCIK stated that the online renewal of license for saw mills, which has been started by the Department, may extended by 6 months and the awareness campaign shall be started for the Online Renewal Process in every district till the time offline renewal shall be accepted, a spokesperson of FCIK told Ziraat Times.
FCIK also said the License may be extended for a period of 5 years and the Sawing Account Register may be withdrawn ‘as the saw mills use willow, poplar & imported timber for production.’
FCIK has demanded formation of clusters where 5 units could be located as per SRO 103 of 2012 and the status of mini industrial estate be given to them so that they can enjoy the common facilities. In addition, FCIK has also demanded that the secondary wood-based industry be exempted from License ‘as they are mostly using planners for work.’
During the meeting FCIK also demanded that the Forest Department should give procurement orders to local unit holders and composite tenders shall not be floated and identified items may be procured from local units.
The meeting was also attended by senior member of FCIK G.M. Tramboo.