KEEMA slams KPDCL for excluding local manufacturers from RDSS procurement

Srinagar, Nov 7: The Kashmir Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association (KEEMA) has expressed strong criticism of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) for its exclusion of local Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the procurement process for the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). KEEMA asserts that KPDCL's procurement practices disregard national MSME policy, inflicting severe economic consequences on the industrial sector of Kashmir.

A statement said that while KEEMA appreciates KPDCL's initiative to enhance power distribution through the installation of 7,000 new Distribution Transformer substations, 15,000 km of LT-AB cables, and 1.5 lakh steel tubular poles, it is deeply concerned about the exclusion of local manufacturers from this transformative effort. According to the MSME policy established by the Parliament of India, 358 items are reserved exclusively for MSEs procurement, with a mandate that 25% of these items must be sourced from local MSEs.

"Shockingly, approximately 90% of the items involved in the RDSS packages fall within these reserved categories, yet local MSEs are largely absent from this process."

"By disregarding MSME policy and excluding local enterprises from the RDSS, KPDCL has undermined the economic foundation of our region," stated KEEMA Secretary General Waseem Ahmed Khateem. "Local MSEs are the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir's industrial sector, and blocking them from state projects not only contravenes national mandates but also threatens long-term employment and economic stability in the region."

In addition to appealing directly to the Honorable Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, who oversee industries and commerce, KEEMA calls upon the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) to raise this issue at the highest levels of government. We request FCIK to vigorously advocate on behalf of local MSEs to ensure fair participation in RDSS projects. The involvement of FCIK as the apex body for regional industry is essential to amplify the collective voice of the local industrial sector and safeguard our community's economic interests.

KEEMA remains committed to working collaboratively with KPDCL and relevant authorities to implement RDSS projects effectively, aligning with both development objectives and policy requirements. It is critical that the Honorable Chief Minister intervenes to set a precedent for transparent and equitable procurement practices, enabling local MSEs to strengthen the regional economy, foster job creation, and support the growth of indigenous industries, the statement said.