KCCI holds 91st AGM, extends executive committee tenure amid polls deferment

Srinagar, Sep 27: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), one of India’s oldest trade bodies with a history spanning 102 years, convened its 91st Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday at Hotel The Kabo, Wazir Bagh, Srinagar.

The meeting, chaired by President Javid Ahmad Tenga, witnessed active participation of past presidents, executive committee members, and senior entrepreneurs, reflecting the diversity and depth of the Chamber’s membership.

The proceedings opened with the presentation of the Annual Administrative Report by Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, covering September 2024 to September 2025. Bakshi highlighted KCCI’s year-long efforts to safeguard the interests of trade, industry, handicrafts, tourism, horticulture, transport, MSMEs, and services in J&K.

“The Chamber has actively engaged with authorities for reforms benefiting the business community,” Bakshi said. “We successfully advocated GST reduction on handicrafts and essential goods, promoted tourism, and encouraged the handicraft and services sectors to sustain economic growth. Our focus is on fostering a favourable business environment while preserving Kashmir’s unique heritage.”

The House unanimously approved the Administrative Report, Auditor’s Report, Statement of Income and Expenditure, Budget for 2025–26, and ratification of auditors, underscoring members’ trust in KCCI’s functioning.

A key agenda item—announcement of Executive Committee election results for 2025–27—was deferred following an order by the District Magistrate, Srinagar. To ensure continuity, Past President Abdul Hamid Punjabi moved a resolution extending the tenure of the present Executive Committee and office bearers until fresh elections are held. The House unanimously adopted the resolution.

Another resolution approved the constitution of an empowered committee for the long-awaited Chamber House project at Rajbagh. Members hailed it as a milestone to provide a permanent institutional base for the Chamber.

The AGM also honoured stalwarts for their contributions. Past Presidents Rauf Ahmad Punjabi and Nazir Ahmad Dar were felicitated for advancing the interests of Kashmir’s business community, while senior members Syed Masood Ahmad Shah and Nazir Ahmad Wani were recognised for strengthening KCCI’s institutional framework.

Members expressed concern over election deferment and alleged attempts to obstruct the Chamber’s functioning. Some contesting candidates questioned voter eligibility, but members defended their business credentials. “I have been running a medical shop near JLNM Hospital for over four decades. If I am not a businessman, then who is?” one member remarked.

In his address, President Javid Ahmad Tenga acknowledged the setback but urged unity. “Our Chamber has withstood challenges for decades. The deferment should inspire us to work with renewed solidarity. We are not just a trade body but the collective conscience of Kashmir’s business fraternity,” he said.

Emphasising institutional strengthening, Tenga described the Chamber House project as a symbol of stability and vision. He reiterated KCCI’s commitment to pursue members’ concerns, from trade facilitation to industrial incentives.

“The Chamber will continue to represent your concerns with dignity and determination,” Tenga assured.