Srinagar, Oct 29: Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) delegation Wednesday called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Civil Secretariat.
The delegation from all the districts of Kashmir region was led by President KTMF Mohammad Yaseen Khan.
In a statement issued here, KTMF presented numerous issues related to trade and commerce. KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said, ”on behalf of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) we presented several pressing concerns impacting the business community and the local populace. Business community in Kashmir has been grappling with numerous challenges over the past few years, leading to widespread distress and a growing sense of disconnect. Persistent issues and economic disruptions have added layers of uncertainty impacting not only business operations but also the livelihoods of countless families across the region.
Some of the prime issues discussed with Chief Minister include, “J&K Bank’s Practices and Borrower Support. This is one of the worst things faced by business community of Kashmir. The business fraternity is greatly concerned with J&K Bank’s current approach towards borrowers, especially with regard to coercive actions and tactics to publicly intimidate and harass local borrowers. We urge your good-self to address these critical issues and explore necessary remedial measures like One-Time Settlement (OTS) policy according to RBI guidelines at an earliest. Additionally, recent reports suggest a decline in J&K Bank’s lending activities, which has adversely impacted multiple sectors. We urge measures to promote and facilitate increased lending, in line with the bank’s robust financial history, to invigorate local businesses and uplift the economy. Also high interest rates and issues in digital payments and customer relations are matters of deep concern. We request for establishment of comprehensive financial solutions specifically for small traders”, Khan said.
Khan said, there is a dire need to address the urgent issue of rent settlements with key departments, including the J&K Wakf Board, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) and the Estates Department. Many traders are experiencing financial strain due to unresolved rental agreements which hampers their ability to operate effectively. We look forward to your guidance in resolving these matters to provide much-needed relief and stability for our traders and shopkeepers”.
Khan said, “Power outages are a significant concern, especially as winters in Kashmir have approached. The increased demand for electricity combined with aging infrastructure and logistical challenges often results in power cuts during the cold months. These outages not only disrupt daily life but also impact businesses, heating and essential services. Addressing this issue will require improved infrastructure, better load management and perhaps more investment in alternative energy sources to ensure residents and businesses can cope effectively with winter demands. We request the introduction of an amnesty program to provide relief to commercial consumers”.
Khan said we apprised Chief Minister about inadequate parking facilities in various towns of Kashmir especially Downtown. Major towns of all the districts of Kashmir region especially Downtown Srinagar, with its historic markets and revered shrines, suffers from severe congestion. The lack of adequate parking facilities has intensified these issues, creating hardships for traders and visitors alike. We request the establishment of designated parking facilities that would not only ease congestion but also ensure accessibility for emergency services, including fire tenders.
Moreover, the road widening initiatives, while essential for infrastructure growth, have raised concerns among local shop owners regarding the impact on their businesses. We seek a collaborative approach that balances infrastructure development with the preservation of local interests, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of established livelihoods, Khan observed.
Khan said, Chief Minister gave us a patient hearing and assured us that handholding efforts such as accessible financing, streamlined policies and investment in critical infrastructure will be provided for the much needed support for and economic stability in Kashmir. Chief Minister said that he would hold quarterly meetings with KTMF members to listen and redress issues, if any, faced by the business fraternity.
The Deputy Chief Minister (Industries and Commerce) and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to Govt Finance Department, Principal Secretary to Government Power Development Department, Commissioner Secretary to Govt Industries and Commerce Department, Commissioner Secretary to Govt Tourism Department, MD KPDCL and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
Besides Khan, senior members of the Federation and District KTMF heads and various Tehsil KTMF heads who were part of the delegation include Qazi Tauseef, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Zahoor Ahmad Shah, Din Mohammad Mattoo, Lateef Ahmad Sofi, Firdous Ahmad Ganie, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Nisar Ahmad Shahdar, Sheikh Arif Kareem, Mohammad Ashraf Wani, Khursheed Ahmad Dalaal, Shabir Ahmad Naqash, Peer Intikhab, Manoj Tandon ( Kupwara), Shameem Makhdoomi (Kupwara), Mohammad Iqbal Dhobi (Kulgam), Riyaz Ahmad Mantoo(Shopian), Mohammad Iqbal Khan (Anantnag), Altaf Ahmad Kar (Pulwama), Ghulam Hassan Parra (Ganderbal), Ajaz Sofi (Handwara), Sheikh Shahzad (Handwara), Riyaz Ahmad Zargar (Kishtwar), Altaf Shah (Kishtwar), Mohammad Ashraf Ganie (Sopore), Haji Mohammad Shafi Wathloo (Uri), Asif Rashid (Tangmarg), Ghulam Jeelani Bhat (Qazigund), Nasir Bashir Shah (Pattan), , Firdous Ahmad Dar (Kangan)& Muzamil Arfat Wani (Char e Sharif).
