Jammu, Jun 14: A mega industrial convention was organised on Saturday by Vikram Puri, Chairman of the Trade and Industries Wing, National Conference (NC), to highlight the concerns of the business and industrial community of Jammu region. The event saw participation from a wide cross-section of industrialists and business leaders from across Jammu region, including Digiana, Bari Brahmana, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Ghatti.
On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who also holds the portfolios of Industries & Commerce, Roads and Buildings, Labour & Employment, Skilled Development, was the chief guest. The programme was chaired by Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President NC.
During the event, members of various industrial associations raised long-standing issues confronting them and suggested measures to overcome the issues, a statement issued here said.
In his address, the Deputy CM gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by the stakeholders. He assured the gathering that the Omar Abdullah-led government is fully committed to the growth and protection of local industries in Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the dismal state of industrial development in the region and said the government would ensure that all due benefits and incentives under its control as UT are released promptly.
Choudhary reiterated the government’s resolve to develop a business-friendly environment and take immediate steps to restore investor confidence, create jobs, and promote both industrial and tourism sectors in a holistic manner. He assured that more and more local youths will be absorbed in new Industries established onwards.
Speaking on the occasion, senior NC leader Rattan Lal Gupta said the establishment of a single industrial unit can generate employment for hundreds, yet the region’s potential has been ignored. “Due to the lack of interest and negligence of the previous regime, over 60% of industrial units in Jammu and Kashmir are on the verge of closure,” he said.
Gupta criticised the central government for failing to release GST benefits and other financial incentives to local industries, thereby stifling their growth. He questioned the outcome of the Rs 85,000 crore MoU signed by the LG Sinha-led administration for industrial development and employment generation.
“Where are the promised industries and jobs and why are the benefits not visible on the ground,” he asked.
The Provincial President also expressed concern that the Kashmir Rail Connectivity would also pose a threat to Jammu’s industrial economy if local industries are not protected and incentivised.
Arun Gupta, President CCI Jammu, expressed concern over the lack of commercial infrastructure in Jammu, noting that no new commercial market has been developed in the last 28 years except for Bahu Plaza. He criticised the Smart City initiative, alleging that its funds are being wasted on the renovation of already developed areas instead of creating new commercial hubs that could help boost trade and employment.
The CCI president urged the government to develop the pilgrimage sites falling in the Jammu division.
