Jammu, May 21 (NVI) : Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Thursday held an interaction with representatives of industrial and trade associations in Jammu and discussed issues related to industrial growth, policy support and ease of doing business in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, representatives of various industrial bodies said there was currently no fiscal package available for industries in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for continued policy support to strengthen the industrial ecosystem.
The participants expressed hope that the proposed Logistics Policy and Public Procurement Policy, presently under formulation, would help address challenges faced by industries in the region.
Several issues were raised during the interaction, including extension in EM-I registrations for units allotted land at Balole Industrial Estate and introduction of auto-renewal mechanisms for Green Category Units to facilitate ease of doing business.
The industrial representatives also called for promotion of trekking tourism routes and sought priority for local industries, especially traditional sectors such as the woollen industry.
Addressing the gathering, Wani reiterated the government’s commitment towards improving ease of doing business and making industries in Jammu and Kashmir more competitive and employment-oriented.
He emphasized promotion of localized industries, particularly agro-based and wool-based sectors, and urged industrialists to contribute towards sustainable industrial development in the Union Territory.
The representatives also sought continuation of turnover incentives and requested the government to take up the issue of pending registrations under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) with the Centre.
They further advocated extension of benefits under NCSS and stressed the need for leveraging Artificial Intelligence, promoting e-commerce and strengthening the service sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials present in the meeting included Managing Director, J&K SIDCO/SICOP Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, Director Industries and Commerce Jammu Dr Arun Manhas, and representatives from various trade bodies, including Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, CII, ASSOCHAM, ICC, PHDCCI and FICCI FLO.
Later, several delegations and individuals also met the Advisor at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu and apprised him of various public issues.
A delegation of the Non-Teaching Employees Union of the University of Jammu raised service-related matters, while representatives of the transport sector highlighted concerns of the transport fraternity.
Other delegations sought amendment in the Society Act and early release of compensation and rehabilitation assistance for flood-affected families in Gujjar Nagar.
Wani assured the delegations that their genuine demands would be examined on priority and directed the concerned departments to take appropriate action in a time-bound manner.(NVI)
