Srinagar, 03-02-2024 : The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) recently engaged in a crucial meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, where it articulated pressing concerns faced by diverse sectors in the region. In a released statement, the trade body disclosed that it primarily focused on the challenges encountered by the tourism sector and urged for the streamlined renewal of Tourism Registration Licenses for establishments like hotels, restaurants, and houseboats through the Single Window System to enhance the ease of conducting business.
KCCI conveyed to the LG that the existing renewal process is prolonged, taking months and even years, owing to the intricate procedures involved in acquiring No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments. The trade body also sought approval for the repair, renovation, and reconstruction of hotels in prominent tourist destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, LCMA, and others.
During the meeting, President Javed Ahmad Tenga, accompanied by senior vice president Ashaq Hussain Shangloo and treasurer Zubair Mahajan, delved into issues concerning both the tourism and industry sectors. KCCI underscored the necessity of implementing policies favoring local industries and advocated for the allocation of quotas for locally produced items to bolster the struggling local industry. Emphasizing the significance of adopting measures like the Single Window System for ease of doing business, the trade body stressed the role of such initiatives in mitigating the escalating unemployment challenges in the state.
KCCI further appealed for amnesty for commercial power consumers, aligning with the amnesty already granted to domestic consumers, and requested a cessation of coercive actions. The expansion of Srinagar Airport also featured prominently in the discussions, where KCCI apprised the LG about the inadequacies in the present infrastructure causing inconvenience to travelers. The trade body highlighted the shortage of food and beverage vending joints despite the availability of ample space.
President KCCI additionally brought forth the issue of the One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS), seeking a renewed scheme with an increased cap and an extended duration. The LG, Manoj Sinha, reportedly assured KCCI that the raised concerns are under serious consideration by the administration and will be addressed promptly, encompassing issues like power amnesty and the OTS scheme.
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