Jammu Chamber President meets CM Omar, seeks early resolution of business bodies’ issues
Jammu, Nov 15: Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) president Arun Gupta Saturday met the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and stressed the urgent need to start the second phase of Tawi river front beautification from Bikram Chowk to Gujjar Nagar at the earliest.
During the meeting, which was aimed at discussing a wide range of developmental and business issues, Gupta apprised the Chief Minister that despite repeated discussions, several important issues and demands were still pending and required the government’s immediate attention. He specifically expressed concern over the delay in the completion of several important projects, including beautification of Tawi River front; artificial lake project and Mubarak Mandi heritage complex. Earlier at the outset, Arun Gupta expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for mitigating the issue and re-starting the annual Darbar Move. He highlighted that the decision would not only help maintain communal harmony but would also significantly boost the economy of both regions.
Trade, Land & Legacy Issues
The meeting covered several critical issues concerning land use, markets and policy. The JCCI president raised the issue of bifurcation of plots in Gandhi Nagar and Channi Himmat, along with a demand for the development of new residential colonies and commercial markets in Jammu.
With regard to issues concerning execution of lease deeds, he pointed out that the lease deeds for allottees of Shiv Market Railway Station and Bahu Plaza remained pending, despite full payment being made. Arun Gupta called for their immediate execution. Other issues which figured during the meeting included renewal of expired lease deeds for Sabzi Mandi and Fruit Mandi; resolution of issues concerning properties under J&K Housing Board and JMC; the finalization of the Jammu Master Plan; issue relating to liquor policy and the resolution of the contentious issue of “Gair Mumkin Khad.”
JCCI president also deliberated the matters pertaining to the industry with specific focus on turnover incentives; removal of the negative list; benefits to existing industry, and the issue of timely SGST refund.
Demand of Land for CCI Business Club
Arun Gupta, while highlighting a specific need for the business community of Jammu, emphasised that it (business community) lacked a suitable, spacious place outside the Chamber House to interact, relax, and meet with dignitaries for such professional activities. He requested the Chief Minister to identify and allot at least 25 kanals of land in and around Jammu city for the purpose of establishing a dedicated CCI Business Club. “This revised structure makes the numerous demands clear and easily digestible for the public and media,” Gupta stated. Responding to the issues raised in the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that very soon a high level meeting with the heads of the concerned departments and CCI would be arranged to resolve the pending issues.
