Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), one of India’s oldest trade bodies, held its 91st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday in Srinagar, where members unanimously extended the tenure of the current Executive Committee and office bearers after elections were deferred by the District Magistrate.
The AGM, presided over by KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga at Hotel The Kabo, Wazir Bagh, was attended by past presidents, senior business leaders, and a large number of members. The Chamber resolved that the present Executive Committee and office bearers will continue to function and represent the body until fresh elections are held.
The meeting also approved the Administrative Report, Auditor’s Report, Income & Expenditure Statement, and Budget for 2025–26, reflecting members’ confidence in the Chamber’s functioning.
A key highlight of the AGM was the adoption of a resolution to constitute an empowered committee for the long-awaited Chamber House project at Rajbagh, Srinagar, which is expected to provide a permanent institutional space for the body.
The Chamber also felicitated past presidents Rauf Ahmad Punjabi and Nazir Ahmad Dar for their contributions, alongside senior members Syed Masood Ahmad Shah and Nazir Ahmad Wani, in recognition of their service to Kashmir’s business community.
Several members voiced concerns over the deferment of elections and called for strict action against those creating hurdles in the Chamber’s functioning. They also urged the government to address long-pending issues impacting trade, industry, handicrafts, tourism, horticulture, and allied sectors.
In his address, President Javid Ahmad Tenga acknowledged the setback caused by the deferment but urged unity. “The KCCI has withstood decades of challenges. The deferment of elections is a setback, but it should inspire us to work with renewed energy and solidarity,” he said, reaffirming KCCI’s commitment to represent the concerns of traders, entrepreneurs, and artisans.
The AGM concluded with a strong message of continuity, institutional strengthening, and renewed resolve to safeguard the interests of Kashmir’s business fraternity.
