Jammu, 16-09-2024: Dr. Arun Manhas, the Director of Industries & Commerce for Jammu, and Sh. Ashok Kumar, Joint Director of Development at the Industries & Commerce Department, and Sh. Varinder Manyal, General Manager of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Jammu, recently visited the Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) Bhawan. This visit aimed to facilitate a crucial dialogue with BBIA members and address a range of pressing issues affecting the industrial sector in Jammu.
The meeting was hosted by Sh. Tarun Singla, Senior Vice President of the BBIA, extended a warm welcome to Dr. Manhas and his team. Singla highlighted a significant concern: the reduction in fiscal incentives for existing industrial units. Previously, these incentives amounted to ₹1,800 crores per annum before the GST regime was implemented. However, the current incentives have dwindled to approximately ₹500 crores, leading to considerable dissatisfaction among the local industry. Singla emphasized the urgent need to restore these incentives to a level of ₹3,000 crores annually, similar to the turnover Incentive/GSTLI provisions available under the NCSS-2021 Scheme, designed to support new units.
Sh. Lalit Mahajan, President of the BBIA, further elaborated on the critical need for fiscal support for existing industrial units. He underscored the importance of providing incentives such as reimbursement for turnover based on actual sales, as well as SGST/CGST/IGST reimbursements for units, including those undergoing substantial expansion or diversification. These measures are crucial to prevent the closure of existing units that currently provide direct and indirect employment to approximately three to four lakh local residents. Mahajan also brought attention to several other pressing issues within the industrial sector, including the pending cases related to the IDS 2017 scheme, which involve reimbursement claims for interest, insurance, GST, and income tax. Additionally, he pointed out issues related to time-barred interest subvention cases, the revalidation of interest subvention cases, and the disbursement of DG Set subsidies.
The discussion also covered the need for a policy to support the procurement of goods from local units by larger and medium enterprises. Mahajan advocated for the allocation of necessary funds for the repair and maintenance of the SIDCO complex, as well as the allotment of alternative land in Bari Brahmana and Samba for units that have applied for land but have yet to receive it. He also addressed the reimbursement of mandi tax for flour mills and stressed the importance of time-bound clearance for cases under the Delay Payment Act. Furthermore, Mahajan called for the verification of GSTLI cases by central CGST officials and noted that a comprehensive representation detailing these issues would be submitted shortly.
As part of the meeting, mementos were presented to the visiting officials as a mark of appreciation for their engagement. Dr. Arun Manhas assured the attendees that the concerns raised during the meeting would be given top priority and addressed with the administrative department as soon as possible.
The event was attended by other prominent members, including Sh. Ajay Langer, Vice President of BBIA; Sh. Viraaj Malhotra, General Secretary; Sh. Rajesh Jain, Secretary; Sh. S.C. Dutta, President of SSI Birpur; and several other BBIA members. Sh. Ajay Langer concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the director’s commitment to addressing the issues discussed.
This interaction underscored the critical challenges facing Jammu’s industrial sector and highlighted the need for immediate and comprehensive policy interventions to support and sustain local industries. The dialogue between the BBIA members and the Director of Industries & Commerce was a crucial step in identifying and addressing the sector’s needs, ensuring that Jammu’s industrial landscape can continue to thrive and contribute to the region’s economic development.