CII J&K hosts first-ever membership roadshow and outreach program in Pahalgam

PAHALGAM: In an initiative to deepen industry engagement in tourism-centric regions, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council on Saturday conducted its first-ever Membership Roadshow and Outreach Program in the picturesque town of Pahalgam. According to a press statement issued to Ziraat Times, the event was led by Dr. M.A. Alim, Chairman of CII J&K, and drew wide participation from local trade and tourism stakeholders.

Held with the objective of expanding CII’s presence and facilitating meaningful dialogue with grassroots industry actors, the outreach event focused on amplifying local voices and strengthening public-private partnerships in Jammu & Kashmir’s economic landscape.

“This roadshow is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the CII J&K Council to enhance industry engagement at the grassroots level, especially in areas like Pahalgam that are rich in tourism potential,” said Dr. M.A. Alim. “We aim to understand local challenges, promote inclusive development, and act as a conduit between the business community and the government.”

Dr. Alim also extended gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his administration’s consistent efforts to rejuvenate the region’s tourism economy. “We thank LG Manoj Sinha for prioritizing tourism development, which reflects a strong commitment to sustainable economic revival,” he added.

A notable announcement during the session was the planned establishment of the ‘Sunjay Kapoor Memorial Chair’, in honor of the late CII leader and visionary. The Chair is expected to serve as a platform for research and innovation in regional economic development.

The event provided local entrepreneurs, hoteliers, transporters, and service providers with a comprehensive overview of CII’s services — including policy advocacy, industry support, and capacity-building programs. Participants engaged in candid discussions around pressing issues such as seasonal employment gaps, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory bottlenecks. Dr. Alim assured that these concerns would be taken up with the UT administration and the Central Government.

Over 20 representatives from trade and tourism bodies participated, including:

• Jawaid Burza, President, Hoteliers Association of Pahalgam

• Asif Burza, Past Chairman, CII J&K

• Anwar Bakshi, Senior Industry Representative

• Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, President, Taxi Drivers Association

• Abdul Wahid Wani, President, Ponywala Association

• Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Civil Society Member

• Former MC members Owais Nazir, Gulzar Ahmad, Dildar Ahmad

• Waseem Burza and Sardar Nasir Khan as special attendees

Several CII J&K members — including Ufair Ajaz, Hussain Khan, Bilal Khan, Dawar Mir, Saqib Laharwal, Adnan Shah, Waseem Mahajan, Sajad Hussain, Muyeed Baba, and Faisal Shahdad — also took part in the discussions, sharing insights and ideas for regional growth.

The roadshow marks a renewed push by CII to strengthen its engagement in Jammu & Kashmir’s evolving business environment, with a strong focus on inclusive and sustainable economic development.