KTMF team calls on Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, discusses issues of business community

8 January 2024

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Representing diverse Kashmir districts, KTMF discuss economic imperatives for business community of J&K, demand durable solutions for small time traders

Jammu, 8 Jan: A senior delegation from the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by Mohammad Yaseen Khan, called on Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to extend felicitations on his recent appointment and also to deliberate some issues of concern affecting the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation comprised of Mohammad Yaseen Khan, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Din Mohd Mattoo, Lateef Ahmad Sofi, Qazi Tauseef, Rafiq Ah Zargar, Ajaz Sofi President Traders Federation Handwara, Manoj Tandon President Traders Federation Kupwara, Mohd Ashraf Ganie President Traders Federation Sopore, Ghulam Hassan Parra President Traders Federation Ganderbal, Altaf Ahmad Kar President Traders Federation Pulwama & Riyaz Ahmad Mantoo Chairman Traders Federation Shopian.

In a statement issued to Ziraat Times, KTMF Acting President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said “we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shri Atal Dulloo Sahab on assuming the charge as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. Surely his appointment as a son of the soil fills us with hope and anticipation for positive changes. We also apprised Chief Secretary of many issues confronting traders and business community of Kashmir region which include J&K Bank. We asked for comprehensive financial solutions for small time traders. Also urged Atal Dullo Ji to implore upon J&K Bank to revisit the lending policies pertaining to horticulture, education, relax lending guidelines to general traders falling under MSME sector, review rating mechanism and formulate a restructuring plan to provide additional funding to the borrowers. The delegation collectively expressed concern over the observed decline in lending activities by J&K Bank. We urged Chief Secretary Dulloo to implement urgent measures to encourage increased lending, considering the bank’s robust financial history. Moreover we advocate for a soft OTS policy & durable solutions for small time traders.”

Other issues raised during the meeting include road widening and rehabilitation of shopkeepers. Delegation members highlighted the inadvertent impact of ongoing road widening projects on local shopkeepers. They called for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to ensure affected individuals are adequately compensated and provided with viable alternatives, striking a balance between infrastructural development and the livelihoods of traders. Power Amnesty and Efficiency was also discussed throughly. The delegation collectively addressed power-related issues faced by commercial consumers, stressing the need for an amnesty program.

Additionally, “we emphasized the importance of enhancing the efficiency of electricity supply, calling for a focused strategy to streamline power distribution and address existing inefficiencies”, Mr. Khan stated.

Khan said, “Parking Facilities & Fire Tender Accessibility in Downtown & other towns of Valley was also deliberated with Dullo Sb. Concerns were raised about congestion in Downtown Srinagar & other towns of Kashmir region due to inadequate parking facilities. We urged Chief Secretary Dulloo to prioritize the establishment of well-planned parking spaces there. We also emphasized the need for accessible fire tenders in densely populated areas, highlighting the importance of swift action to ensure firefighting resources are readily available”.

KTMF extended a warm invitation for Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to visit Srinagar and neighboring towns. We expressed our eagerness to facilitate the visit, providing Chief Secretary Dulloo with firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by local communities.
The meeting concluded by once again congratulating Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and expressing optimism about the positive impact of his leadership on the prosperity and well-being of Jammu and Kashmir.