Ziraat Times News Desk
SRINAGAR: A high-level delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) – Kashmir Region held a detailed meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Tuesday, pressing for urgent interventions to support the economic and industrial ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir.
Led by A.P. Vicky Shaw, Chairman PHDCCI-Kashmir, along with Co-Chairs Arshad Nizam Shawl and Javaid Anim, the delegation submitted a comprehensive set of proposals aimed at strengthening MSMEs, streamlining industrial incentives, attracting investments, and improving overall ease of doing business in the Union Territory.
The Chief Minister gave a patient hearing and assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be taken up with urgency and seriousness. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a robust and business-friendly environment in the region.
Ziraat Times here reproduces the key components of the submitted roadmap:
Support for MSMEs & local entrepreneurs
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Marketing and procurement support for MSMEs to expand their market access.
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Mandatory 30% reservation in GeM tenders for resident entrepreneurs of J&K.
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Inclusion of “Resident Seller of J&K” as a compulsory eligibility filter in government e-marketplace tenders.
Industrial & economic development
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Fast-tracking disbursement of pending industrial incentives.
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Proposal to impose selective entry/green tax at Lakhanpur to shield local industries from external competition.
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Establishment of a Project Cell under the CM’s chairmanship to expedite DPR approvals, funding, and project execution.
Sports and Tourism Promotion
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Allocation of central funds for sports infrastructure.
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Organising national-level Buyer-Seller expos and cultural festivals like the Apple Festival and Saffron Festival in partnership with PHDCCI.
IT & innovation ecosystem
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Development of plug-and-play IT hubs using underutilised government infrastructure.
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Partnership with PHDCCI to bring BPO and IT firms to Kashmir.
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Priority for reputed local IT firms in government projects.
Healthcare & social infrastructure
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Timely settlement of Ayushman Bharat claims.
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Simplifying regulatory procedures for private schools and rationalisation of SMC user charges.
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Promotion of PPP models for modernising school infrastructure.
Banking & financial relief
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Extension of loan moratoriums and emergency credit lines without CIBIL penalties.
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Allowing diversification of industrial units into hospitality or educational sectors to avoid closures.
Clean Energy & Waste Management
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Subsidies and interest subvention for MSMEs adopting solar energy.
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Proposal for a Waste-to-Energy plant at Srinagar’s Achan landfill to address environmental concerns.
Hospitality Sector and Investment Confidence
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Resolution of lease extension issues at key tourist locations including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Srinagar.
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Encouraging PPP investments to drive employment and revenue generation.
