KCCI call on CS Mehta, submit MoU

Srinagar, July 13: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) on Thursday held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, at the Civil Secretariat.
The meeting focused on various matters concerning economic development and the challenges faced by different sectors in the region.
Led by its President Javed Ahmad Tenga, the KCC&I delegation, comprising Senior Vice President Ashiq Shangloo and Secretary General Faiz Bakshi, presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Chief Secretary. The document highlighted key issues and proposed solutions across multiple sectors, including handicrafts, banking, industry, tourism, general trade, transport, horticulture/agriculture, education, and information technology.
The delegation discussed several crucial matters related to the handicraft sector, such as the promotion of Pashmina, the establishment of a raw material bank, achieving a target of 4000 crores in handicrafts exports in the coming years, the expedited establishment of a Pashmina testing laboratory, carpets, the participation of KCCI in international fairs, Geographical Indication (GI) tagging, quality control measures, reduction in GST rates on handicrafts, the establishment of district handicraft clusters, changes in HSN codes for valuable shawls, and facilitation of artisans and weavers.
The KCC&I also raised concerns regarding the announcement of a one-time settlement scheme with an enhanced amount and an extended time period for loan restructuring. They also discussed the Qarz Mukt Scheme, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on borrowers.
The delegation emphasized the need to extend incentives to the horticulture sector, ensuring it receives the same priority as agriculture. They also discussed issues related to the smooth movement of fruit-laden vehicles, crop insurance, and improvements in infrastructure and road connectivity