Srinagar, Sep 12: Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) met Thursday with the Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir Charandeep Singh (JKAS), to discuss concerns regarding the recent “close day” order and its impact on the business community in the Kashmir Valley.
The meeting was convened to deliberate on the growing confusion and uncertainty that the new directive has caused among traders and business community and to present solutions aimed at ensuring clarity and smooth implementation of the order.
On instructions of KTMF incumbent President Mohammad Yaseen Khan the delegation conveyed to the Labour Commissioner that the recent order from the Labour Department had left many businesses unsure of their responsibilities and operational guidelines.
The delegation comprised of Bashir Ahmad Rather, Din Mohd Mattoo, Nisar Ahmad Shahdar, Rafiq Ahmad Zargar & Qazi Tauseef.
“The recent close day order has unfortunately created confusion among the business fraternity with many traders unclear on which day they are required to observe as a mandatory closure. This has led to disruptions in trade as well as potential legal risks for non-compliance. We believe that clarity is essential and we are here to ensure that both the business community and the authorities are aligned on this important issue”, the delegation recommended.
During the meeting, the KTMF delegation presented a set of concrete recommendations aimed at resolving the confusion and facilitating compliance with the order. These recommendations include clearer communication from the Labour Department, better coordination with local authorities and a public awareness campaign to ensure all stakeholders are informed about the correct observance day for their respective sectors.
Labour Commissioner Charandeep Singh responded positively to the concerns raised by the KTMF delegation. He assured them that the Labour Department is committed to reviewing the recent order and will take immediate steps to clarify the matter to avoid further confusion. “We understand the concerns raised by KTMF and acknowledge that the recent order may have led to some misinterpretation among the business community. The Labour Department will work to ensure that the guidelines are clear and that all businesses are properly informed about the requirements of the close day order,” Singh stated.
KTMF also urged the Labour Department to streamline communication between local authorities, law enforcement and the business community to avoid further confusion. KTMF remains steadfast in its advocacy for the rights of traders and manufacturers and it continues to work towards a collaborative approach to regulatory issues.
