FCIK pitches 10-point action plan to CM for industry revival

Srinagar, Oct 29: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has presented a detailed 10-point plan to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, designed to revitalize the region's struggling industries, which are currently facing significant challenges. In exchange for the necessary support from the government, the chamber has committed to generating 60,000 jobs annually.

A statement issued by FCIK said that a meeting of the apex industrial chamber led by President FCIK Shahid Kamili was held on Tuesday with the Chief Minister, which was also participated by the Deputy Chief Minister on virtual mode. Also in attendance were the Advisor to CM, Chief Secretary, ACS to the CM, Principal Secretaries of Power and Finance, Commissioner Secretary of Industries and Commerce, the M.D. of KPDCL, and other key officials. The delegation of FCIK included past presidents and Advisory Committee members M D Qureshi, Shakeel Qalander, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, Mukhtar Yousuf, Ovees Jami, Altaf Ahmad besides estate and district presidents from across the valley.

The meeting thoroughly examined the current status and challenges facing the industry and presented a memorandum addressing ten essential initiatives required to help the sector navigate its current challenges.

While advocating for the implementation of the Central industrial scheme of ₹28,400 crores for existing industrial units without any conditions, the FCIK President informed the Chief Minister about its potential benefits.

He assured the Chief Minister that, upon approval and addressing of the genuine demands presented by the organization, FCIK commits to generating 300,000 employment opportunities over the next five years, equating to 60,000 jobs each year.

Former FCIK President Shakeel Qalander presented the challenges facing industrial operations, highlighting the need for a unified industrial policy for both new and established units, as the current three-policies approach has caused confusion. The discussion also covered insufficient marketing support and delayed payments, which have left many local manufacturers struggling. The Chief Minister was urged to focus on reviving and scaling up existing units through modernization and technological upgrades.

Concerns were raised about sluggish credit flow to MSMEs and non-performing assets (NPAs), with proposals made for their effective resolution. FCIK also addressed infrastructural deficiencies in the valley, requesting the establishment of additional large-scale industrial estates and improvements to existing ones.

In response to the demands raised by the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), the Chief Minister assured the attendees that all genuine concerns would be addressed promptly. He expressed a strong commitment to reviving the industrial sector, recognizing its importance for overall economic development and increased government revenue. The Chief Minister acknowledged the necessity for a unified industrial policy and assured that immediate steps would be taken in this direction. Additionally, he agreed that any orders not implemented in Jammu would also be withdrawn in Kashmir, reinforcing his dedication to ensuring equitable treatment across the region. Recognising the challenges posed by composite tenders issued by various departments, which often exclude local businesses due to lower turnover requirements, the Chief Minister assured that these issues would be addressed.

Various estate-related issues were taken up in the meeting by the Presidents of Industrial estates of Lassipora, Khunmoh, Ganderbal, Zakura, Baghi Ali Mardan Khan, Anchidora, Vessu, Sports Complex Bijbehara, Anantnag, Chotipora, Bijbehara, Zainakote, Sopora, Baramullah, Kupwara, Handwara, and other estates from across the valley. District presidents of Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Budgam, Srinagar, Baramullah and others took up matters of the unorganised sector in the meeting.