Director I&C Kashmir extends olive branch, seeks stronger MSME-Govt ties

Srinagar, Feb 18: While regretting the negative perceptions, the Director of Industries and Commerce Kashmir Khalid Majeed has called for renewed trust and confidence between the  MSMEs and government to bring a revolution in industrial development in UT of J&K under newly launched ambitious schemes and policies.

Speaking as the chief guest over an oath ceremony function organised by the Industrialists Association Khunmoh, the Director said that the Lieutenant Governor was personally monitoring the industrial progress and was deadly against the creation of unnecessary hurdles by any official in the facilitation of MSMEs, FCIK said in a statement.

He said that difficulties encountered by the entrepreneurs in pursuing their cases at various levels were being ascertained to plug these with industry-friendly procedures under the guidelines of “ease of doing business”.

“While grasping the contours of existing policies and schemes, I have also been interacting with leaders of the industry to take their feedback," said Khalid Majeed, adding that appropriate recommendations were being made on various demands put forth by FCIK in their memorandum to the incumbent Chief Secretary.

While FCIK was well equipped to take up bigger matters with relevant authorities, the Director sought cooperation from its constituent associations in the collection of data required for various existing and upcoming schemes.

Replying to the question of regional discrimination in the disbursement of incentives, Khalid regretted that a very small number of MSMEs in Kashmir applied for various incentives which would result in a lower share.

He also overruled the claim that ‘Delayed Payments Act’ was not being implemented. He informed that only 195 claims of delayed payments had been received by his department since 2013 out of which 36 claims had been disposed and 57 claims were under disposal. He, however, assured that the facilitation in disposal of cases about delayed payments would be expedited in the coming months.

While committing to mutual handholding, the Director I&C also assured MSMEs that his doors were open for entrepreneurs seeking redressal for their issues and problems.

Earlier, the newly elected team of Industrialists Association Khunmoh including President Imran Murtaza, Senior Vice President Zahoor Ahmad, Vice President Shakeel Ahmad Kenu, General Secretary Sajad Ahmad Baba, Joint Secretary Ovais Aslam, Secretary Finance Rouf Ahmad Mattoo, Secretary Publicity Mehrajuddin, Speaker Abdul Wahid Chishti were administered the oath of office for two years’ term.

Welcoming the Chief guest, Advisory Committee members of FCIK, Presidents from valley-based industrial associations, entrepreneurs of Khanmoh industrial estate and other officials from industry and banks,  IAK President Imran Murtaza assured of working as per the aspirations of MSMEs under the guidance of FCIK.

While Shahid Kamili, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Ashraf Mir highlighted the issues confronting industry at the present, Shakeel Qalander urged associations to enhance their role and act as incubators of innovation.

Manzoor Illahi, Sajad Ahmad Baba, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, Javaid Ahmad Bhat, Parvaiz Ahmad and others also spoke on the occasion. Dr Zain ul Abideen conducted the proceedings of the oath ceremony function.

The Director I&C and other dignitaries from the industry congratulated the new team on taking charge of the association and expected it to work as per the aspiration of the industry.