Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry headed by its President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad on Sunday held instructions with governor Satya Pal Malik and thanked him for the extension of the North East Industrial Package to Jammu and Kashmir and urged need for giving space to peaceful protests in the state.
A delegation of the traders’ body held interactions with him at Raj Bhawan Jammu and Shaleen Kabra, Principal secretary Industries & Commerce Department was also present.
The president KCC&I Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad apprised the Governor about the need for the consequential measures required for local entrepreneurs to benefit from the package. “Attention was drawn towards issues like non-availability of land, delays in essential permissions like Pollution Clearance and Power Sanction, Logistic Issues and other operational problems faced by the industrial sector,” Farooq Amin,
Secretary General of the KCC&I said in a statement issued here.
Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad also urged for exercising of restraint by the government forces while dealing with unarmed civilians as the “repetitive loss of lives was a serious cause of concern. The Kashmir Chamber urged for the need of giving space for peaceful protests.”
The governor, Farooq said, was also briefed about the neglect faced by the traditional Handicrafts of State. “Several suggestions were made for the revival of the Handicrafts Sector like promotion of Clusters, Reduction of GST etc. The participation in Global exhibitions and fairs for Handicraft and Tourism sector was emphasised.”
While thanking the State for the prompt response for releasing of compensation to the farmers whose orchards were damaged by the snowfall, the delegation urged for early implementation of the Crop Insurance Scheme.
“The Governor was apprised about measures taken by other states for the development of the Horticulture Sector especially Apple, Walnuts and Saffron in collaboration with the World Bank & ADB,” he said, adding, “Unless immediate steps are taken for investments in research and development, our horticulture sector would be nowhere in the coming future.”
The Kashmir Chamber, Farooq said, requested that experts needed to study the flood prevention measures required especially effective dredging. The President appreciated the steps taken for cleaning of the Dal Lake and urged for similar protection for other water bodies.
“The potential for development of Sheep, Dairy, Fish and other Farms was also discussed and it was suggested that the Kashmir Chamber would make suggestions for formulation of a comprehensive policy in this sector, as was done in the Poultry Sector.”
