J&K Govt to unveil revamped procurement policy to empower local enterprises: Dy CM assures FCIK

Srinagar, Jun 24: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir is set to roll out a revised Public Procurement Policy aimed at empowering local enterprises and reversing the long-standing disadvantage faced by indigenous industries. The move is expected to prioritise homegrown Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in government purchases and contracts.

As per a press statement issued by the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Deputy Chief Minister Surender Kumar Choudhary gave this assurance during a detailed meeting with an FCIK delegation at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The Deputy CM informed that the proposal for the revised policy has already been submitted to the Finance Department, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and is currently under active consideration.

The Deputy CM acknowledged the marginalisation of local units in procurement over the years and assured that the revised framework would restore fairness and promote sustainable industrial growth. The meeting also discussed strengthening the role of SICOP to ensure that local businesses are no longer sidelined in the procurement process.

The FCIK delegation, led by its President Shahid Kamili, raised several pressing issues, including the need for a new industrial policy, financial relief, and estate infrastructure upgradation. Choudhary assured that leading industry bodies, including FCIK, would be included in the committee tasked with drafting the new industrial policy to ensure sector-specific concerns are adequately addressed.

On financial matters, the Deputy CM directed the Industries Department to submit proposals for amnesty in lease deeds and relaxations in firm constitution changes. The Managing Director of KPDCL informed that a power amnesty proposal has already been sent for government approval.

Banking concerns were also discussed at length. Choudhary urged J&K Bank officials to pause coercive recovery actions against MSMEs until rehabilitation options are exhausted. He also appealed for a non-discriminatory One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for struggling units.

Concerns of wood-based units regarding licensing and cluster approvals were taken up, with assurances of corrective measures in line with Central Government norms.