New Delhi, Dec 19: A delegation from the J&K Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) led by President Arun Gupta Thursday met Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, to discuss critical issues affecting trade, industry and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
A statement issue here said that senior vice president Anil Gupta, Secretary Rajesh Gupta and Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma were also present during the high-level meeting. The delegation brought to light several pressing concerns, including alleged harassment of hoteliers in Patnitop, challenges faced by arms and ammunition dealers due to licensing transitions and the economic impact of infrastructural developments in J&K.
Gupta flagged the issue of what he described as “unnecessary harassment” of hoteliers in Patnitop through false CBI cases. He urged Dr. Singh to personally intervene and resolve the matter promptly. The delegation expressed concerns over the suspension of operations for arms dealers caused by the conversion of licenses to Form VIII. Gupta described the sealing of dealer premises as a grave issue and requested Dr. Singh to raise the matter with the Union Home Secretary.
Gupta thanked the government for approving the long-pending demand to develop Jammu as a Railway division, emphasizing that it would streamline train operations and create local employment. He also proposed establishing a Rail Coach Repair Factory in Jammu to further boost ancillary industries and generate jobs.
The delegation called for the launch of a round the clock Duggar Channel at Jammu Doordarshan Kendra, modeled after Srinagar’s Kashir Channel. Gupta stressed that the channel would play a vital role in countering Pakistan’s propaganda and promoting Jammu’s rich cultural heritage. The delegation raised concerns about the potential negative impact on Jammu’s economy due to extended railway connectivity in Kashmir. To offset this, Gupta proposed establishing a major tourist attraction in honour of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, similar to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. He also sought modern development of Surinsar and Mansar to attract tourists and a daily train between Jammu and Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela.
As per the statement, MoS in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh assured the delegation of his support and personally accompanied them to meet Union Ministers for Railways, Tourism and Information & Broadcasting. The Railway Minister expressed a commitment to addressing the concerns regarding Jammu’s Railway Division and the proposed Rail Coach Repair Factory.
