CCIK delegation meets Dy CM, raises business concerns

A delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries Kashmir (CCIK) met Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to raise key concerns affecting the business community, with a focus on the historic downtown area of Srinagar, Shahr-e-Khaas.

The delegation was led by CCIK president Tariq Ghani and included office bearers Atif (Joint Secretary), Ashiq Bhat (Chief Coordinator), Zubair (Youth President) and Umar Jan (Convener).

During the meeting, the delegation stressed that development in Srinagar should not remain confined to areas such as Gupkar and the Civil Secretariat, asserting that Shahr-e-Khaas continues to be the city’s cultural and commercial backbone and requires equal policy attention.

Among the key issues raised was the need to incorporate solar subsidy provisions in the Union Territory’s Industrial Policy to promote sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions for businesses. The delegation also highlighted the poor condition of roads in industrial estates, calling for immediate repairs.

CCIK expressed serious concern over the continued neglect of downtown Srinagar, noting that its cultural and economic significance has not been matched by infrastructure development and administrative focus.

Encroachments on roads and footpaths were flagged as a major issue contributing to congestion and hampering pedestrian movement and market access.

The delegation further pointed to a decline in business activity in downtown markets, attributing it to inadequate infrastructure, poor upkeep and lack of sustained administrative intervention.

The meeting concluded with the delegation urging the government to adopt a more balanced development approach and take targeted measures to revive economic activity in the historic core of the city.