Srinagar: A delegation led by Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and industries, KCC&I, has expressed its gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for his support to the business industry in Kashmir.
The delegation thanked the Lt Governor for ensuring ease of business and providing packages to boost business.
According to spokesperson, the Lt Governor gave a patient hearing to all the impending issues of the business community.
“We apprised him the need that government must promote Carpet Village/City in Sumbal, Sonawari where we have thousands of Artisans / Weavers. We also requested him that the industrial estate should be exclusive for the youth to encourage start-ups and should be leased for the youth. KCC&I also raised the issue of direct air connectivity from Srinagar to Sharjah, which will boost business.”
The Lt Governor, according to spokesperson ensured that there were hiccups due to oil price fluctuations. Further, in order to boost local economy, the defense department should be linked to local industries.
The KCC&I also requested to devise a mechanism for automatic time bound release of payment by the government as a substantial amount of capital of local industries is locked up due to delay in payments.
In order to provide sustenance to the local industries, we urged the Lt Governor, to provide working capital at concessional interest rates, to waive off interest for the period of lockdown, rescheduling of repayment plans, lowering of power tariff and reduction of rental charges payable to SICOP and SIDCO, the statement said.
According to spokesperson, as the Kashmiri society is closely knitted, the bank defaulters will not be encouraged. However, the entrepreneurs who want to revive should be incentivized and those entrepreneurs who want to exit should be able to get respectable exit. In the case of One Time Settlements (OTS), a standardized OTS Policy like it was done for the exposure upto 5 crores similar scheme should be done for people who have exposure to the tune of 50 crores. “In the case of self-financed business establishments having no bank exposure, it is suggested a suitable capital infusion for such establishments on softer interest rates be made available,” the spokesperson said.
We also requested him for extension of deadline for the completion of Units which is 30th June, 2022 may be extended till 31st March, 2023 as most of the entrepreneurs have mostly started the construction and shall complete the projects till the new deadline . On this, LG assured that it will be extended for all those who have started the construction work, the statement said.
Similarly, to encourage artisans who are out of work due to stock pile up, there should be marketing promotion. KCC&I, has felt the need of having Expo Marts for Handicrafts, Carpets and all made In J&K products were we can Exhibit our products to national and International Buyers. In addition to this written representation was handed over to LG almost covering all sector wise issues.
Spokesman added that this type of positivity at highest level will create confidence among local investors and thanked LG for such positive assurances and hoped that it will reflect on ground soon.
