Chamber Delegation Advocates for Policy Reforms in J&K, Urges Rail Coach Factory, Duggar Channel, and Daily Train for Maha Kumbh

Jammu, 19-12-2024: A delegation of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry led by Sh. Arun Gupta, its President, and accompanied by Sh. Anil Gupta, Sr. Vice President, and Sh. Rajesh Gupta, Secretary, met Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble MOS, in the Prime Minister’s Office in his office Chamber in New Delhi. Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, was also present in the meeting. The delegation apprised the Hon’ble Minister of various problems relating to the trade, industry, and tourism sectors.

Sh. Arun Gupta apprised Dr. Jitendra Singh Hon’ble Minister, about the issue relating to unnecessary harassment of the hotelier at the Patnitop by registering CBI cases against them on false grounds and requested him to kindly look into the matter personally to resolve this issue at the earliest.

Sh. Arun Gupta also apprised him about the problems being faced by the arms & ammunition dealers of UT of J&K regarding the conversation of all licenses to Form VIII, effectively halting all the operations until the conversation is completed. The authorities are now sealing their premises, which is a grave concern for these dealers. He requested Dr. Jitendra Singh to take up this issue with the Union Home Secretary to ensure that these dealers do not suffer anymore.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble MOS in the Prime Minister’s Office, was kind enough to accompany the Chamber deputation to meet the Hon’ble Minister for Railway, Information Broadcasting and Tourism.  While interacting with the Hon’ble Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta expressed that we are grateful for accepting the long-pending demand for developing Jammu as a Railway Division which is the need of the hour. He said that it will not only streamline the running of trains but will also open new avenues of employment for the local youths. Sh. Arun Gupta requested that a comprehensive plan with sufficient funds be envisaged for the completion of this project at the earliest.

Sh. Arun Gupta also apprised the Union Railway Minister that for the survival of ancillary units, there is an urgent need to establish a Rail Coach Repair Factory in Jammu which will also generate employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu. besides this  in view of the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, a direct train between Jammu – Prayagraj & vice versa on daily basis should be started during the Maha Kumbh Mela.

While discussing the issue relating to the starting of full time “Duggar Channel” at Jammu with the Hon’ble Minister Sh. Arun Gupta said that though at present a part time Dogri News Channel is working at Jammu Doordarshan Kendra, he suggested that we want a full-fledged (24×7) “Duggar Channel” be started at Jammu on the pattern of Kashir Channel at Srinagar. This Duggar Channel shall prove useful in countering the false & negative propaganda of Pakistan against Jammu & Kashmir.

The Hon’ble Minister for Railway, Information Broadcasting gave a patient hearing and assured that all the issues raised in the meeting shall be addressed properly.

While discussions with the Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta said that though J&K is currently experiencing unprecedented development, massive infrastructure projects are transforming the Union Territory contributing significantly for its overall growth and prosperity. However, with reaching a train in Srinagar upto Baramulla, the business, tourism, transport sectors, and economy of Jammu are going to be affected badly. Sir, to cover up the gap we suggest that in honour of Dr. Shayama Prasad Mukerjee who has sacrificed his life in Jammu & Kashmir, a prestigious and beautiful project on the pattern of the Ahmedabad  Statute of Unity be established in Jammu to attract tourists and local people which shall boost the economy of this region.

Dr. Jitendra Singh & Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma apprised the Tourism Minister that  Surinsar & Mansar should be properly developed on modern lines to attract tourists.

In his reaction, the tourism minister said that all the issues raised shall be properly addressed and a separate meeting regarding the development of Jammu shall organized at Jammu in the near future.