J&K Govt to Unveil Revamped Procurement Policy for Local Enterprises: FCIK

Srinagar: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is said to roll out a revised Public Procurement Policy that prioritizes and incentivizes homegrown enterprises.

This assurance was given by Deputy Chief Minister Surender Kumar Choudhary during a marathon meeting with a high-level delegation of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, according to a statement issued to media today.

The move seeks to undo years of disadvantage suffered by local industries due to past policy changes, FCIK said, adding that Mr Choudhary informed the delegation that the proposal for the revised policy has already been submitted to the Finance Department, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and is currently under active consideration for prompt approval.

Candidly acknowledging the sidelining of local enterprises in government procurement over recent years, the Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reversing the trend. He assured that the new policy would restore equitable opportunities for the region’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), paving the way for sustainable industrial growth, the statement further said.

The meeting also explored proposals to redefine and strengthen the role of SICOP in the procurement ecosystem and address systemic shortcomings that have disadvantaged local businesses.

The FCIK delegation, led by its President Shahid Kamili, held an extensive and results-oriented dialogue with the Deputy Chief Minister to address key issues facing the industrial sector in Jammu & Kashmir and to review progress on matters previously raised with the government, including with both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by top-level government officials including Vikramjeet Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries; T. Rabi Kumar, Additional PCCF, Forests; Khalid Jahangir, Secretary, Industries; Mehmood Shah, Managing Director, KPDCL; Khalid Majeed, Director, Industries & Commerce; Pradeep Kumar, Managing Director, SIDCO/SICOP; Massarat Zia, Director, Handicrafts & Handlooms; Abhijeet Joshi, Regional Director, Pollution Control Board; and Manzoor Ahmad, Additional Secretary to the HCM. Also present were Ashitosh Sareen and Rajesh Tickoo, General Managers from J&K Bank, along with other senior officers from the Finance Department and related sectors.

Significantly, the meeting was informed that preparations are underway to launch a comprehensive industrial policy, as suggested by industry bodies. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that leading industrial associations, including FCIK, will be included in the drafting committee to ensure the policy reflects on-ground realities and sectoral needs.

On financial relief, Choudhary committed to fast-tracking amnesty schemes under the jurisdiction of the J&K Government. He directed the Commissioner Secretary to submit proposals for amnesty in lease deed agreements and relaxations in changes of constitution.

The Managing Director of KPDCL confirmed that a power amnesty proposal has already been submitted for government review.

The issues faced by wood-based units were also discussed. The Deputy CM assured that anomalies in license renewal and cluster approvals would be addressed in line with Central Government directives.

A detailed discussion on banking issues followed, with the Deputy Chief Minister urging J&K Bank officials to halt coercive recovery actions against MSMEs until their revival and rehabilitation potential is fully explored. He expressed regret that action had been initiated in certain cases despite the existence of pari passu agreements between SIDCO and J&K Bank. He further appealed to the bank to consider launching a uniform, non-discretionary, and non-discriminatory One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme, as demanded by industry stakeholders.

In response to demands for industrial estate up-gradation, the Deputy Chief Minister assured estate presidents from across the Valley that their concerns would be addressed on priority.

The FCIK delegation expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the marathon meeting, terming it a landmark moment in the ongoing policy dialogue between the government and the industrial sector. The federation expressed optimism that the sincerity displayed by the Deputy Chief Minister and senior officials would soon translate into tangible policy actions and relief measures to boost the MSME sector and catalyze industrial progress in the region.

The FCIK delegation included presidents and office bearers of industrial estates from across the Valley such as Sheikh Nisar Ahmad (Lassipora), Iftikhar A Misger (Anchidora), Mohammad Ashraf Khan (Baramulla), Muzaffar Ahmad (Bejbehara), Ghulam Nabi Shah (Handwara), Imran Murtaza (Khanmoh), Meraj Udin Mir (Kupwara), Aweem Irshad Ahmad (Aglar Shopian), Mohsin Iqbal (Vessu Qazigund), Javaid Ahmad Bhat (Sopore), Farooq Ahmad (Zainakote), Bashir Ahmad Naik (JK PICCA), Abdul Rahim Sofi (Chatpora Pulwama), Nazir Ahmad Mir (District Pulwama), Ghulam Mohammad Tramboo (District Anantnag), Parvez Ahmad Naiku (District Kulgam), Mohammad Imran Najar (District Baramulla), Dr. Nazir Ahmad (District Kupwara), Zahoor Ahmad Dar (Tulibal), Farooq Ahmad (Raidbugh), Ashiq Nabi Parra (Silk Park Zakura), Adnan Masoor (Wuyan), and Syed Haamid Chashoo (BAMK).