PHDCCI Kashmir chapter chairman, Baldev Singh Raina, writes to LG Sinha, makes recommendations on economy

Srinagar: The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, J&K Chapter, has written to Manoj Sinha, Lieutenat Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and has made recommendations to provide relief to trade and industry in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ziraat Times here produces the full text of the letter, written by Baldev Singh Raina, Chairman, Kashmir chapter, PHDCCI, on behalf of the chamber.

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Shri Manoj Sinha Ji

Hon`ble Lieutenat Governor
Union Territory of J&K

SUB: Suggestions to provide relief to trade and industry in view of COVID-19 pandemic

Dear Sir,

Greetings from PHD Chamber J&K

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), founded in 1905 is the apex body for promotion of trade, commerce, industry and overall economic development in the UT of J&K and for the Nation. With more than 1.35 lakh direct and indirect members which include over Trade and Industry Associations and leading Chambers of Commerce of the Country. PHDCCI-J&K represents all cross sections of trade and industry across segments ranging from large corporates to SMEs.

Sir, at the outset, we would take this opportunity to appreciate the commendable efforts taken by the Government towards fighting the C0VlD-19 pandemic in Union territory of J&K and only with your efforts the graph of positive patients have gone down very significantly.

The Hospital Beds are also available and people are genuinely cautious now.

Sir going forward I have an appeal from PHDCCI-Kashmir to allow gradual economic activities. You will agree that the trade and industry of J&K is passing through a very difficult time due to the restrictions imposed to combat the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is therefore necessary to provide some relief as possible to help them come
out of the acute financial crisis.

There are some sectors of economy that are drivers of our economic growth and employment, this situation poses a very serious threat to the economy. It is therefore necessary to provide relief as possible to help them survive and come out of the acute crisis.

In view of above we strongly recommend and request for following sectors need to be opened gradually and these Sectors must first put arrangements in place to follow the SOP before reopening.

 The automobile sector is biggest source of employment and revenue generation of J&K. We
request to allow these kind of sectors to open up gradually and owners should be made responsible for all precautions and SOP`s. We also suggest that there should be dedicated vaccination drive for Automobile Sector and Workshops.

 We also request for opening of Malls also with fewer shops on alternate basis and restricted times. We should work on Pune model where shops are shut during day hours and are open Morning and evening with restricted hours with all precautions and COVID SOP`s.

 Nearly all tourism related businesses in J&K tourism sector are at risk of bankruptcy due to the travel restrictions and lockdown in place, the situation could have been far worse if it were not for your Excellency Tourism Support Scheme, which supported up to 80 percent of a Daily worker’s in Tourism Sector. Another year of terrible losses can be avoided if the government supports the swift resumption of National or international travel to J&K, which will be vital to powering the turnaround of the J&K economy. We therefore propose introduction of Digital Green Certificates as has been adopted by European Tourism Industry.

This is a digital proofs that a person has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has recovered from the virus, or has a negative test result will greatly facilitate safe free movement of citizens and restart of travel and tourism in the J&K. We need a clear plan outlining conditions and timing to prepare for the safe restart of travel and tourism in J&K to be ready for the critical on going Season of 2021! J&K Government and all Stakeholders needs to work
on this together leaving no place for fragmentation and unilateral actions.

We all are facing this unprecedented situation and we require your cooperation and patient hearing for resumption of limited economic activities. We would be very grateful if your good-self would take an early action in this regard and have a positive consideration of our suggestion.

Thanking you,
With warm regards,

Baldev Singh Raina

Chairman, Kashmir chapter