Chamber delegation meets CM, submits demands

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 4

A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) led by its president Mushtaq Ahmad Wani met Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti here today and submitted a detailed memorandum.

A KCCI statement said the memorandum drew the attention of the Chief Minister towards the need to focus on ‘rebuilding of the state’s economy’ which has been severely impacted after the September 2014 floods.

“Against Rs 8,640 crore recommended by the (then) state government for interest subvention, a paltry sum of Rs 800 crore has been allocated for the purpose. The KCCI demands that the promises made to the business community be fulfilled and relief and rehabilitation package announced forthwith,” the memo said.

The KCCI pointed out that the people of Srinagar were facing problems in absence of proper and scientific disposal of waste while suggesting that the government should construct easily accessible garbage dumping points and common area-wise sewage treatment plants to ensure protection and preservation of environment and water bodies.

The KCCI also highlighted the ‘pitiable plight’ of artisans and weavers while demanding creating a separate ministry for handicraft sectors. The memo suggested that it be associated as a member on the master plan review authority.

For the development of the tourism sector, the KCCI demanded the widening of Boulevard Road on priority, formulation of a robust tourism policy beneficial for the people of the state and need to find ‘lawful means to limit the airfares to a reasonable level’ during the peak season.

“The tourism sector had been declared as an industry in 1995, but the benefits and incentives applicable to the industries still elude this sector. Although christened as an international airport, no international flights, except Hajj flights, operate from it. If international flights operate, it can help in the growth of our tourism and the export of horticulture and floriculture products,” the memorandum added.

It said the government needed to give special attention to revive the saffron cultivation with application of modern technology besides allowing cross-LoC tourism.