KCCI team meets LG Sinha; joint status review of key economic issues held

22 April 2024

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Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) office bearers team lead by the President Javed Ahmad Tenga called on the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha Ji at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar today, 22nd of April. The meeting was held as a review of the status of the issues discussed in previous meetings. According to a media statement received by Ziraat Times, the following issues were discussed:

1. CONSTITUTING A COMMITTEE FOR ADDRESSING ONE-TIME SETTLEMENT CASES (OTS) FACED BY MSMEs:

The KCCI thanked the Lt. Governor for constituting the committee which had been a long standing demand of the KCCI . KCCI suggested that a representative from it be included as a member of the Committee to present the viewpoint of the business community.

2. INTERNATIONAL EXPO MART AT TATTOO GROUND:

The KCC&I once again raised the matter of setting up of International Expo Mart at Srinagar.This has become important in view of the growing International and national demand for Kashmir Products especially GI tagged products.The Lt. Governor was apprised about recent visit of the valley by World Craft Council Jury who in an exclusive interaction with KCCI , suggested that among other things establishment of an International Expo Mart and upgrading the existing Craft Museum would attract international buyers/tourists and help in promotion and growth of Kashmir Handicraft products, and in turn lead to upliftment of Artisans.

3. SRINAGAR SMART CITY PROJECT:

The KCC&I while welcoming the development and beautification projects undertaken by Srinagar Smart City Projects Limited expressed concern over delay in completing these projects The LG’s attention was Invited to the pitiable condition of City areas causing huge has inconvenience to traders and general public. The commuting time in these areas had increased manifold. The KCC&I requested him to order early completion of the projects.

5. UPGRADING OF CDI INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GI TAGGING:

The KCCI drew LG’s attention to the steady growth in production and exports of Kashmir products. The demand for GI tagged products , in particular, had grown. However, due to lack of infrastructure and shortage of manpower the process of issuing / granting GI was facing handicap resulting in inability of exporters in meeting their orders and deliveries. The KCC&I suggested urgent upgrading of infrastructure and employing more qualified manpower to enable it to expedite the GI tagging process.

5. EASE OF DOING BUSINESS:

The Lt. Governor’s attention was invited on laying greater emphasis on Prime Minister’s avowed policy of “EASE OF DOING BUSINESS “ and “SINGLE WINDOW SYSTEM”. However, slow pace of implementation in Jammu & Kashmir left much to be desired despite the fact that more than 1000 services had been put on – online system. It is being observed that it takes a considerable time, effort and follow up in getting things done in every sector especially the Start-ups and innovators.

6. TOURISM: The KCCI sought Lt. Governor’s intervention in addressing tourism stakeholders problems in:

a) Renewal of tourism registration licenses of hotels /restaurants be brough under Single Window System in the spirit of “EASE OF DOING BUSINESS”. Presently the renewals take months and years due to cumbersome process of obtaining NOC’S from multiple departments.

b) The hotels and other associated services related to tourism be granted provisional renewal of registration certificates till the time others departments issue NOCs to them.

c) Permission for repairs, renovation & reconstruction of hotels in Pahalgham/ Gulmarg/ Sonamarg/LCMA and other areas.

7. POWER AMNESTY FOR COMMERCIAL CONSUMERS:

Amnesty for Commercial Power Consumers on the analogy of amnesty granted to domestic consumers as announced by Administration earlier be expedited to ensure relief to the consumers.

The Lt. Governor positively responded to the suggestions made by KCCI President and assured that a decision on power amnesty for commercial consumers will be announced shortly. He also assured to get the Smart City projects completed on fast track in order to alleviate the difficulties of people.The Lt. Governor assured to positively consider other KCCI demands on Expo Centre , membership on OTS committee and Tourism related problems.

The KCCI President expressed gratitude to the Lt. Governor for listening to the issues raised by KCCI from time to time and taking steps for resolving them.