KCCI holds 92nd AGM; OTS, handicrafts, crop insurance and Chamber House in focus

Ziraat Times Team Report

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 26: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) today held its 92nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Hotel Taj Dal View, Kralsangri, with members of the Executive Committee and general members of the Chamber in attendance.

Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, was the Chief Guest at the AGM.

The AGM reviewed the activities and initiatives of the Chamber during 2025–26 and deliberated upon issues concerning trade, industry, handicrafts, horticulture, tourism and the wider business community.

KCCI Secretary General Mr Faiz Ahmad Bakshi presented an overview of the Chamber’s activities during the year and read out the Annual Administrative Report for 2025–26. The resolutions placed before the House were discussed and passed.

On the occasion, three former Presidents of KCCI—Mr Abdul Hamid Punjabi, Mr Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad and Mushtaq Ahmad Wani—were felicitated with Lifetime Achievement Awards by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr Nasir Aslam Wani, in recognition of their contribution to the Chamber and the business community.

Addressing the AGM, KCCI President Mr Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted a range of issues confronting the business community and called for greater institutional support to facilitate economic activity and protect livelihoods.

A major demand raised by the KCCI President was for a special One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme by J&K Bank for borrowers. Mr Tenga sought an OTS mechanism on the lines of the SBI OTS 2020, stating that a suitable settlement framework would provide relief to businesses facing financial stress and enable them to resolve outstanding liabilities.

Mr Tenga also raised concerns over the decline in handicrafts exports and stressed the need for greater handholding of artisans. He advocated measures to improve the economic sustainability of artisans and also vouched for the introduction of minimum wages for artisans.

On horticulture, Mr Tenga appreciated the Government for providing improved transportation facilities for horticultural produce but reiterated the Chamber’s long-standing demand for crop insurance. He stressed that growers require an effective insurance mechanism to protect them against losses caused by adverse weather conditions and other risks.

The KCCI President also stressed the need for further promotion of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and called for greater attention to the concerns of businesses associated with the sector.

He also raised the issue of lease notices issued to business establishments and sought appropriate redressal of lease cases, emphasising the need to protect legitimate commercial activity.

Mr Tenga further identified construction of the KCCI Chamber House as one of his top priorities and sought the support and cooperation of the members for taking the long-pending project forward.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chamber, Advisor to the Chief Minister Mr Nasir Aslam Wani said the Government was committed to supporting business growth and addressing concerns of the business community.

On the demand for a special OTS scheme, Mr Wani said that any such settlement mechanism should be without an upper limit, indicating that the issue could be considered from a broader perspective to ensure that eligible cases are covered.

On the industrial sector, the Advisor said the Government was working on a new Industrial Policy, which would provide a framework for strengthening industrial activity and facilitating investment and business growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said tourism and horticulture had been accorded due priority by the Government, recognising their importance to the economy and livelihoods in the region.

Mr Wani also assured the Chamber of Government support in facilitating the construction of the KCCI Chamber House.

Speaking at the AGM, Mr Wani appreciated the role of KCCI in representing the business community and acknowledged more than a century contribution to the economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Recalling his association with the Chamber, he said, “I have a long association with KCCI. I was once the youngest Executive Committee member of KCCI.”

Describing KCCI as the apex trade body, he said the Government valued its engagement with the business community.

On the Chamber House, Mr Wani said, “We will try our best to facilitate the construction of the Chamber House.”

He emphasised the importance of continued dialogue between the Government and the business community and said the concerns raised by stakeholders would be considered for appropriate policy and administrative interventions.

Senior Vice President Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal and Treasurer Aamir Manzoor were also present on the occasion.

Among those who attended the AGM were reputed businessman Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, JPPICA President Bashir Naik and Auditor Asjad of Asjad Muhaib & Associates.

The members also expressed their support for the construction of the Chamber House.