As KCCI goes to polls on Feb 21, Hope21 and Kashmir21 contesting groups keep their fingers crossed

Srinagar, Feb 20: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Inc. is all set to vote and elect its new Executive Committee on Tuesday, February 21st. These normally annual elections are being held after a hiatus of about three years. There is a marked sense of guarded jubilation among Kashmir’s business community for an exercise which it is keenly looking forward to.

Interestingly, this year’s contest is significant for these are being held in the post-2019 era, with a sea change in Kashmir’s business landscape. The contest is broadly between two business segments of Kashmir – which have christened themselves as Hope21 and  Kashmir21. Both groups believe that they would get the majority vote and get to set the agenda for action in the days to come.

Observers, however, see not-so-easy task ahead for the new KCCI officer bearers, considering the wide expectations of its membership and a general environment of insolvency of a huge number of businesses in Kashmir today, in the face of the large non-performing assets that have accumulated for these businesses in the last three years or so.

While newer business opportunities have come up in recent days with new investments and joint ventures in several sectors, particularly in tourism, construction and retailing, the non-viability of a large number of businesses due to the abolition of the toll tax and high competition from goods and services from outside J&K will constitute a major advocacy agenda for the chamber in the days to come, observers believe.

Observers also note the absence of specific agendas of the two contesting groups in the run-up to the elections, which could be measured and assessed in an objective manner at the end of the election year.

“The problem is that both the groups have made public their broad agendas for action, which lack specifics and cannot be measured and evaluated at the end of the tenure”, said Imtiyaz Khan, a business analyst.

“The other problem is a lack of research and evidence-based advocacy at KCCI. Given the importance of this body, its huge network and resources,  the body should also focus on high-quality business research and analysis which could guide its agenda, actions and advocacy”, said Mr Khan, emphasising that ”in the absence of objective business and economic research and a strategic plan, KCCI might end up in undertaking activities which are episodic and eventful, missing out on the outcome-oriented activities.”

Some KCCI members also advocate a greater degree of accountability of the chamber to its members, who often express unhappiness about a lack of consultation and communication among with the wider membership.

“It is important for the upcoming Executive Committee to create structures and mechanisms of consultations with the wider members of the chamber. What is also needed is frequent communication, action-taken reports and findings of research and analysis undertaken by the apex chamber with its members and occasionally with the wider audience when suitable”, said another member.

Meanwhile, the Hope21 group is reaching out to its support base with promises of a positive change and addressing their immediate issues of interest. Its members are canvassing with KCCI members on the promise of transparency and effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Kashmir21 is contesting the election on a specific six-point agenda, which includes:

• Encouraging entrepreneurship and ensuring ease of doing business for generating employment and starting skill development for making our youth employable.
• Getting carpet, pashmina villages approved and providing respectable working environment and handsome wages for artisans and ensuring new marketing avenues for artisans and exporters through national and international exhibitions.
• Ensuring proper coordination with government and financial institutions for better support to trade, commerce and industry.
• Working on self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir in all sectors.
• Promoting tourism sector as a whole and ensuring assistance to houseboat owners, shikara walas. transport owners and pony walas,
• Completing Chamber house construction and starting an incubation centre, skill centre & counselling for upcoming entreprenuers within the chamber house.
• Ensuring direct international flights and better connectivity specially between gulf countries to promote exports and ease for pilgrims.

The key contestants of this year’s elections include: