Gaurav Gupta Urges LG to Address Critical Business Challenges Affecting J&K Economy

JAMMU, Sept 21: Former General Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu, Gaurav Gupta, recently met with Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, to discuss a range of critical issues facing the business and industrial community in the region.

During the meeting, Gaurav emphasized several pressing concerns, starting with compliance related to business closures and the ongoing malfunction of registration software that has been non-functional since January 2024. He highlighted that this technical failure has left over 1,500 individuals in Jammu unable to complete their land transactions despite having paid the necessary stamp duties, causing significant financial strain and hampering business operations.

Gaurav also addressed the challenges posed by the outdated Shops and Establishments Act of 1966, which he believes hinders the growth of various sectors, particularly tourism and perishable goods. To modernize business operations, he recommended that the administration consider adopting the Model Shops and Establishments Bill, 2016. This legislation would allow businesses to operate 24/7, aligning Jammu and Kashmir with the “ease of doing business” framework embraced by several other states across India.

Another significant issue raised by Gaurav was the plight of local flour millers. He explained that these millers are struggling to compete against their counterparts in Punjab, who benefit from toll tax exemptions and a 6% mandi fee waiver. This disparity enables Punjab’s millers to sell flour products at much lower prices, putting local businesses in Jammu at a competitive disadvantage. Gaurav urged the administration to either extend similar financial relief to J&K’s millers or engage in discussions with Punjab to ensure fair competition in the market.

Throughout the meeting, Gaurav emphasized the importance of addressing these issues for the economic well-being and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the administration would take swift action to resolve these pressing matters.

The Lieutenant Governor listened attentively to Gaurav’s concerns and assured him that the administration would give serious consideration to the issues raised.