Srinagar: MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar, has criticised the uneven implementation of the ₹28,400 crore New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that only two out of the union territory’s 20 districts have received the bulk of investment proposals.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Chamber of Industrial Entrepreneurs Association (CIEA) Zakura, Sagar termed the scheme’s rollout a “glaring failure of equitable planning and execution.” He assured the industrial community that the issue would be raised in the Legislative Assembly to ensure balanced development across all districts.
Sagar also voiced concern over the “dilapidated internal roads and infrastructure deficiencies” in Zakura industrial estate. He pledged to take up the issue with the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the Industries & Commerce portfolio, and even offered to contribute from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) if financial constraints were holding back macadamisation.
Underscoring the need for modern infrastructure to boost business confidence, Sagar criticised the exclusion of local units from government procurement. “Over the last five years, most departments have sourced goods from outside J&K. This must change with a procurement policy that ensures purchase and price preference for local manufacturers,” he said.
The event, held on Tuesday, saw the newly elected CIEA team, led by President Shabir Ahmad Shah, formally take oath. Other elected members include Zahoor Ahmad Shawl (Vice President), Sehar Mushtaq Shah (General Secretary), Muzamil Hayat Shah (Joint Secretary), Manzoor Ahmad Shahdad (Secretary Finance), Mohammad Usman Shah (Publicity Secretary), and M.D. Reshi (Speaker).
Prominent business leaders including Shahid Kamili (President, FCIK), Javid Ahmad Tenga (President, KCCI), former FCIK Presidents Syed Shakeel Qalander and Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and Khair un Nissa Shah (Executive Director, World Trade Center Asia Pacific) addressed the gathering. They highlighted challenges facing MSMEs and stressed the need for collaborative efforts by industry associations and the government.
Senior officials present included GM DIC Srinagar Hameedah Akhtar, GM SICOP Waseem Ahmad, and Assistant Director MSME Suhail Allaqaband. KSSIA President Syed Fazal Illahi felicitated the new CIEA President with a bouquet.
In his concluding remarks, Shabir Ahmad Shah thanked members for their trust, promised to prioritise both individual and collective issues of entrepreneurs, and lauded the outgoing team led by Rafique Ahmad Dar for their dedication.
