KCCI banks on PM's visit to drive J&K growth engine

Srinagar, Feb 18: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jammu and Kashmir next week.

"KCCI while thanking the Prime Minister for accepting many of its suggestions in the past looks up to PM  with hope for considering suggestions critical for the round development of Jammu and Kasmir, more so, given the alarming rate at which the unemployment rate has been growing. The major concern is that this rate is not only higher than the national average but one of the highest in the Country. This is even though numerous schemes have been announced by the Lt. Governor during the past few years which need to be redoubled to meet the challenges thrown up by the serious unemployment problem," Kashmir's apex business chamber said in a statement.

"In this context, the  KCCI would emphasise the implementation of the Prime Minister’s favourite Ease of Doing Business Scheme. Presently non adherence to the system has resulted in a reverse trend than accelerated business growth leading to increased unemployment," KCCI said in a statement.

KCCI invites the PM's attention to the sufferings of the Industrial sector in J&K. The problems faced by this sector need to be addressed at a faster pace. The lack of infrastructure, multiple Industrial policies and lack of support for local industries has put a spanner in the wheels of development/ growth of local industry.

"J&K has been returning to normalcy which has resulted in considerable growth in tourist footfall. However, the ill-equipped existing Airport Terminal is causing tremendous difficulties for travellers. The Srinagar Airport needs to be expanded and upgraded to enable it to cater to the growing number of travellers."

KCCI invites PM's attention to the power crisis Jammu & Kashmir in general and Kashmir province, in particular, has been experiencing. Earlier the power shortage was experienced during winter months but during 2023 the Kashmir Province faced unprecedented power outages even during the summer months resulting not only in huge losses to trade, commerce & industry but also inconvenience to domestic consumers.

The KCCI  suggests the Government must offer subsidies for the installation of solar power systems to commercial customers on the analogy of Domestic Installations. This will not only help to meet power shortages but also augment power generation.

The KCCI stresses upon creation of robust tourism infrastructure and putting the 2035 Srinagar Metropolitan Region Master Plan on the fast track, accord top priority to environmental sustainability given climate change and global warming that has already resulted in irregular weather cycles In Jammu & Kashmir.

The KCCI also looks up to the Prime Minister for a special focus on IT, Innovation, Startups, Women's Development, horticulture, handicrafts and other sectors of the economy, the statement said.