Business in Distress: CAIT Kashmir seeks revival plan to boost economy

New Delhi, Aug 4: The Kashmir Chapter of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) made a forceful pitch for economic revival and business reform at the National Governing Council meeting held at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi.

A statement said that led by President Farhan Kitab and General Secretary Peer Imtiaz, the delegation presented a comprehensive policy document titled “Kashmir Business Outlook 2025–26: Where Opportunity Meets Reality.” The paper mapped both the economic promise and persistent pain points in Jammu & Kashmir’s trading ecosystem, positioning the region as one poised for resurgence—if supported with timely interventions.

“Kashmir is not just recovering—it is repositioning. This is where promise meets persistence, and opportunity walks hand in hand with complexity,” said Farhan Kitab in his address to trade leaders from across India.

The outlook laid out a roadmap centred on financial relief, infrastructure investment, digital empowerment, regulatory reforms, and sector-specific interventions. It called for a 24-month loan repayment support scheme with interest subvention, one-time NPA restructuring for MSMEs, expansion of cold storage to cover half of the post-harvest produce, and targeted GST rebates to boost local manufacturing. The proposal also emphasised the need for digital trade toolkits, skill training in retail logistics, and incentives for handicrafts and horticulture sectors.

To build confidence among traders, the paper proposed forming district-level revival committees and setting up a 24/7 trade facilitation desk to streamline grievance redressal and business support. “A revival package is not charity—it is continuity of hope,” added Kitab, urging the Centre to translate intent into action.

CAIT announced it would kick off a nationwide campaign from August 10 under the banners of Vocal for Local and Aatmanirbhar Bharat to amplify regional trade and support grassroots entrepreneurship.