PHDCCI seeks industry, tourism revival package
Jammu, Jan 28: The PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Jammu Region Chapter, led by its Chairman Rakesh Wazir, on Tuesday submitted a detailed memorandum to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a pre-budget meeting, seeking urgent policy interventions and a comprehensive revival package for trade, commerce, industry and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, with particular emphasis on the Jammu region.
The memorandum highlighted a series of pressing demands and constructive suggestions aimed at the survival, sustenance and long-term revival of economic activity in the Union Territory.
Key among the demands was the extension of the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) beyond September 2024, with a special focus on supporting local entrepreneurs. PHDCCI also sought inclusion of hotel renovation projects and upgradation of existing industrial units under incentive schemes, along with restoration of substantial expansion benefits on the lines of the Industrial Package-2017.
Stressing the importance of tourism-led growth, the Chamber urged the government to encourage investments in tourism-supportive infrastructure, including hotels, universities, hospitals, medical colleges, boarding schools and hospitality institutes. Such investments, it said, would help promote health, education, adventure and religious tourism across the region.
The memorandum further demanded reimbursement of GST and industrial power tariff for the hotel industry at par with manufacturing units. It pointed out that hotels were assured GST refunds at the time of the rollout of the GST regime, but continue to await the promised relief.
Drawing attention to the challenges faced by the flour milling industry, PHDCCI expressed concern over the 6 per cent mandi fee imposed by Punjab on wheat procured by J&Kmillers. The levy, it said, places local millers at a severe competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis Punjab-based units and threatens the viability of the sector.
To strengthen tourism, the Chamber proposed diversion of a portion of the nearly one crore annual pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi to other tourist and pilgrimage destinations across Jammu & Kashmir to enhance tourist footfall and length of stay. The suggestions included organising light and sound shows at Katra, beautification of Mansar Lake, establishment of a tourism museum, development of integrated tour packages, improved publicity, and promotion of the Mata Ki Parikrama Yatra and traditional pilgrimage routes.
The memorandum also emphasised the need for planned beautification of Katra town, enhanced publicity through print, electronic and digital media, revival of film tourism by rationalising shooting fees at the Vaishno Devi shrine area, early commencement of the Rs 10-crore dedicated water supply scheme for Katra, and simplification of registration and renewal procedures for hotels and guest houses.
The Chief Minister listened to the issues raised and assured the delegation that each of the points would be examined sympathetically.
