Jammu, May 21: Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Wednesday held an interaction with representatives of industrial and trade associations from Jammu province to discuss issues concerning industrial growth, policy support and ease of doing business in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, representatives of various industrial bodies highlighted challenges being faced by the sector and stressed the need for continued fiscal and policy support for industries in the Union Territory.
The industrialists pointed out that there was currently no fiscal package available for industries in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed hope that the proposed Logistics Policy and Public Procurement Policy under formulation would address several operational challenges confronting local industries.
Representatives also raised the issue of extension in EM-I registrations for industrial units allotted land at the Balole Industrial Estate and sought introduction of auto-renewal mechanisms for Green Category Units to facilitate ease of doing business.
The participants further suggested development of dedicated trekking tourism routes and emphasized the need to promote localized industries, particularly traditional sectors such as the woollen industry in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, Nasir Aslam Wani reiterated the government’s commitment towards improving the business environment and making industries in Jammu and Kashmir more competitive and employment-oriented.
He stressed the importance of promoting agro-based and wool-based industries and called upon industrialists to contribute towards sustainable industrial development in the Union Territory.
The industrial representatives also sought continuation of turnover incentives and urged the government to take up pending registrations under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) with the Centre. They also advocated extension of benefits under the scheme and emphasized greater use of artificial intelligence, promotion of e-commerce and focused development of the service sector.
The meeting was attended by senior officials and representatives of various trade and industry bodies, including Managing Director of J&K Small Scale Industries Development Corporation and J&K Small Industries Corporation Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, Director Industries and Commerce Jammu Arun Manhas, President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu Arun Gupta and representatives from Confederation of Indian Industry, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry among others.
Later, several delegations and individuals also met the Advisor at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu and raised various public issues seeking government intervention.
A delegation of the Non-Teaching Employees Union of University of Jammu highlighted service-related issues concerning non-teaching staff, while Chairman of the All J&K Transport Welfare Association Karan Singh raised concerns of the transport sector.
Former President of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rakesh Gupta also met the Advisor and discussed issues related to amendments in the Society Act in Jammu and Kashmir.
Another delegation from the Mohalla Welfare Committee, Gujjar Nagar, sought early release of compensation and rehabilitation assistance for families affected by last year’s floods.
The Advisor assured the delegations that their genuine concerns would be examined on priority and directed the concerned departments to take appropriate action in a time-bound manner.
