Jammu, 11-12-2024: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu Chapter, under the leadership of Chairman Mr. Rahul Sahai, presented a comprehensive memorandum to Hon’ble Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah Sahab, highlighting critical measures for the development of Jammu & Kashmir. Accompanied by Samar Dev Charak, Anil Sharma, Ashish Jain, and Raj Dua, Mr. Sahai utilized this platform during an interaction with civil society in Jammu to advocate for transformative initiatives across industries, sports, and cultural exhibitions.
Extending warm congratulations, Mr. Rahul Sahai commended the Chief Minister and esteemed colleagues, including Jenab Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sahab, on the successful completion of the Holy Umrah. He expressed confidence that their prayers would usher in lasting peace and prosperity for the region and the nation.
The memorandum submitted by the ICC Jammu Chapter laid out urgent interventions to bolster local industries. Key among these were demands for a level playing field through the provision of special incentive packages and the timely disbursement of ₹350 crores under the IDS 2017 scheme. Additionally, the ICC urged the expeditious clearance of 1,450 pending cases under the NCSS 2021 incentives. Proposals also included extending the NCSS 2021 package with a significantly enhanced budget and ensuring that at least 40% of the benefits are allocated to local entrepreneurs to encourage inclusive industrial growth.
Acknowledging the role of sports as a driver of economic and social transformation, Mr. Sahai proposed several groundbreaking initiatives for Jammu. Chief among them was the construction of two new stadiums and a state-of-the-art indoor sports complex. He advocated the creation of an advisory committee comprising experts in sports, tourism, industry, and civil society to oversee the planning and development of sports infrastructure. The ICC also recommended introducing an annual sports calendar with events hosted across Jammu & Kashmir, empowering sports associations, promoting golf tourism, and expediting the completion of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Kathua. Drawing comparisons with Himachal Pradesh’s extensive sports infrastructure, Mr. Sahai emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir should aspire to a similar standard with 43 stadiums to foster youth engagement and address social challenges like drug abuse.
On the cultural and economic front, the ICC proposed leveraging Jammu & Kashmir’s potential as a hub for exhibitions and tourism. Mr. Sahai recommended the organization of Surajkund-type melas to attract national and international visitors while boosting local economic activity. Expanding district-level events such as the Baba Jito Mela and establishing a modern exhibition ground in Jammu were underscored as critical steps for promoting regional heritage and commerce. Citing the success of recent Legend League Cricket matches in Jammu and Srinagar, which significantly boosted the local economy, Mr. Sahai highlighted how similar initiatives could position Jammu as a global destination for events and exhibitions.
Concluding the proposals, Mr. Sahai reiterated the ICC Jammu Chapter’s commitment to supporting the government in implementing these initiatives. “Our organization is always prepared to shoulder any responsibility deemed necessary by the government to ensure the holistic development of Jammu & Kashmir,” he stated.
The ICC expressed optimism that these recommendations would receive favorable consideration, paving the way for a prosperous and inclusive future for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.