KCCI Submits 12-point Memorandum Seeking Industrial Reforms in Jammu Kashmir  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has submitted a 12-point memorandum to the Committee on Ease of Doing Business and the formulation of the draft Industrial Policy, calling for comprehensive structural, financial and regulatory reforms for the industrial and business sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga, along with office bearers Farooq Amin, Ashiq Hussain Shangloo and Gowhar Maqbool, presented the memorandum before Shailendra Kumar, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Finance Department, during a stakeholder consultation held in Srinagar. The meeting was jointly organised by the Finance Department and the Industries and Commerce Department. Vikramjit Singh, IPS, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, and Amitava Chatterjee, Managing Director and CEO of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, also attended the meeting.

KCCI stated that despite repeated assurances of reform, the business environment in the Union Territory continues to be affected by procedural delays, inadequate infrastructure, policy uncertainty and high compliance requirements. It urged the government to incorporate clear, time-bound and enforceable provisions in the upcoming Industrial Policy.

The memorandum raised twelve key issues. On ease of doing business, KCCI said existing online and single-window systems were not functioning effectively on the ground, with entrepreneurs still required to physically approach departments. It called for full digitisation, integrated clearances and deemed approvals within fixed timelines.

On industrial infrastructure, the Chamber highlighted deficiencies in basic facilities such as roads, electricity, water and internet in several estates. It specifically referred to delays in possession of allotted land at Tulbal Sopore and Sempora Pampore despite lease agreements executed nearly three years ago.

Regarding the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021, KCCI said nearly 70 per cent of the Rs 28,400 crore incentive package had shown regional imbalance. It sought extension of the scheme till 2035, enhancement of allocation by Rs 75,000 crore, reservation of 25 per cent benefits for local entrepreneurs, and inclusion of existing units undertaking expansion.

The Chamber also called for regulatory reforms, including reduced transfer fees, deemed approvals within 30 days, removal of FAR utilisation charges, adoption of a “same beneficial owner” principle and a dedicated revival policy for sick industrial units.

On marketing support, KCCI proposed a dedicated MSME marketing and branding mission for Jammu and Kashmir, legal protection for the “Made in Kashmir” brand, support for participation in trade fairs, e-commerce facilitation and freight subsidies for exporters. It noted that handicraft exports from the region exceed Rs 733 crore annually.

The memorandum also flagged gaps in public procurement implementation, demanding enforcement of the 25 per cent MSME procurement mandate and quarterly disclosure of procurement data.

Other demands included incentives for modernisation and green technology, continued eligibility for pre-policy units, transparent land allotment criteria with verified employment data, extension of stamp duty exemptions to private industrial land, and subsidies for insurance premiums and rooftop solar installations.

KCCI further sought a one-time loan restructuring package for units affected by disturbances, natural calamities and policy-related disruptions.

Tenga said the recommendations were based on ground realities and stressed the need for substantive rather than symbolic reforms.

The Chamber said the committee assured that its suggestions would be considered in the finalisation of the revised Industrial Policy and added that it was ready to provide further data and detailed presentations in support of its proposals.