Jammu: Chair of the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Jammu Chapter, Rahul Sahai, led a delegation to meet with Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir. According to a media statement issued to Ziraat Times, Sahai expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present key suggestions and address issues affecting both upcoming and existing industries in Jammu. The delegation highlighted several critical areas needing urgent attention for the development of industries in J&K.
Key Industrial Concerns:
1. Power Availability in Ghati/Samba:
Sahai emphasized the need to address the primary concern of power availability for new industries. Currently, only 160 MW of the promised 320 MW is functional. PHDCCI urges the expeditious commissioning of the remaining 160 MW to enable ready units to commence production. Additionally, the separation of industry feeders from residential and commercial connections is requested to ensure uninterrupted power supply to existing industries.
2. NCSS Application Extensions:
PHDCCI Jammu sought an extension of the NCSS application date beyond September 30, 2024, along with an increased budget to attract more investors. Sahai stressed the need for quicker processing of documents and permissions for NCSS application submissions, suggesting maximum time limits for each type of permission to streamline the process. A single window system is advocated to facilitate faster approvals of NOCs required for registration in the NCSS Package.
3. Land Acquisition and Registrar Appointment:
The delegation highlighted challenges in private land acquisition for industrial use due to various land classifications such as Gair Mumkin Khad and Janglat. PHDCCI recommends forming a committee to address these issues, allowing private industrial estate owners to deliver land to industrialists promptly. The unavailability of a permanent Sub Registrar in Kathua is also hampering land registration processes, and an efficient and permanent Sub Registrar appointment in this high-demand industrial town is urged.
4. NCSS 2021 Package Benefits:
For existing industries, Sahai emphasized the need for equal benefits under the NCSS 2021 package to keep them viable. Delays in CGST reimbursement are causing significant financial strain, and PHDCCI requests a special meeting with the finance department to expedite the clearing of these bills. Local entrepreneurs should be prioritized, with expedited handover of Balol land to benefit from the NCSS 2021 package.
Automobile Sector Concerns:
1. Unauthorized Sales Channels:
Sahai highlighted the issue of unauthorized sales channels in the automobile sector, with car brokers operating without authorization or trade certificates, negatively impacting legitimate automobile dealers and causing significant revenue losses to the Union Territory. PHDCCI recommends imposing an additional tax on vehicles purchased from outside J&K, similar to measures in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh.
2. Motor Vehicle Tax Clarification:
Clarification is sought on the Motor Vehicle Tax (Token/Road Tax) for vehicles in J&K due to conflicting notifications. A clear directive from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the J&K Finance Department is essential for consistent implementation.
3. Vehicle Scrappage Policy:
PHDCCI suggests offering registration tax discounts on new vehicles after scrapping old ones, boosting demand for new vehicles, increasing state revenue through GST and road tax, reducing pollution, and enhancing safety. Punjab and Chandigarh provide similar concessions, serving as viable models.
4. Physical Inspections:
PHDCCI addresses the redundant physical inspections of new commercial vehicles, advocating for their elimination to align with other states and promote ease of doing business.
5. Eco-friendly Transportation:
To encourage eco-friendly transportation, PHDCCI proposes a 100% road tax exemption for hybrid vehicles, akin to policies in Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh, supporting the adoption of greener vehicles.
6. Automobile Service Center Cluster:
The formation of an automobile service center cluster in industrial areas across J&K is recommended to achieve economies of scale, streamline supply chains, and enhance service quality, creating employment opportunities, attracting investments, and fostering the growth of the automotive industry.
7. Unified Trade Certificate:
For ease of doing business, PHDCCI suggests implementing a “One State One Trade Certificate” policy, simplifying operations by replacing the need for separate trade certificates for each district with a unified trade certificate.
8. CNG/PNG Infrastructure:
PHDCCI highlights the absence of CNG/PNG infrastructure in J&K, unlike neighboring states that benefit from these economical and eco-friendly fuel options. Addressing this gap would provide substantial savings for residents and support environmental sustainability.
PHDCCI Jammu is optimistic that these recommendations will significantly improve the business landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
