Association of Industries Demands New Policy, Financial Relief for Struggling Jammu Industries

Jammu, 21-01-2025: Association of Industries (Regd.) Gangyal, Jammu delegation led by Sh. Virendra Jain, President (AOI) and comprising Sh. S.B. Abrol, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Sandeep Ohri, Vice President, Sh. Sanjay Langar, General Secretary, Sh. Ajay Mahajan, Secretary, and Sh. Jatinder Singh, Treasurer called on Sh. Surinder Chowdhary, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir to apprise him towards the current state of Micro/Small Industrial sector, Jammu in particular and J&K in general. Association of Industries sought the urgent and favorable consideration of the J&K Govt. to take immediate initiatives to save and protect them. The Association of Industries urged the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister to initiate a new industrial policy and package of incentives, the operative part of which must be at par for new and existing industry as well.

AOI particularly laid emphasis to compensate local Micro/Small sector through timely reimbursement of Fiscal Incentives at least equivalent to the quantum of amount prevalent before the adoption of GST Regime in J&K by way of VAT Remission, CST &Toll Tax tax exemptions, besides Central Excise Duty refund etc. etc.

AOI emphasized that J&K Govt. should acknowledge  that existence  & growth of Industrial Sector has largely remained dependent upon the contributions of local ‘Sons of Soil’. Micro/Small scale entrepreneurs providing substantial employment opportunities to local employees in their establishments. AOI drew the kind attention of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister to enhance the Budgetary Support for the reimbursement of Turnover Incentives at par with their actual requirement contrary to the present system of limiting and capping of Rs.50 crores for the entire state and Rs. 2000 crore at least be earmarked to provide Fiscal Incentives exclusively to local Micro/Small Industrial sector.

AOI further emphasized that freehold rights be granted to local Micro/Small entrepreneurs to be able to provide equitable mortgages at an enhanced quantum for seeking adequate finances from Banks/Financial Institutions. AOI further sought the attention of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister for removing/amending the clauses detrimental to their smooth functioning and condoning delays in filling/submitting various online returns.

AOI acknowledges that both J&K Govt. & Govt. of India are laying special emphasis on establishment of new enterprises while existing units are becoming uncompetitive and unviable. All existing units be treated at par with new units providing incentives on all aspects including Expansion/Additional Line of Manufacturing. Market Support through Purchase/Price be accorded priority for mutually beneficial reasons and GeM Portal be totally discarded for all items being manufactured locally.

Association of Industries also drawn the Dy. Chief Minister’s attentions towards the depleted condition of Infrastructure in various Industrial Estates/Areas of SICOP/SIDCO despite the fact that both SICOP/SIDCO are separately and additionally charging Development/Maintenance charges in this regard and urged Dy. Chief Minister to grant additional funds in this regard to cope up with the situation.

AOI  stressed for streamlining the system for procurement of their raw materials for Cricket Bat Industries largely situated in Rural Areas and extending the tenure of licenses for their in house Band Saws. AOI sought Power Amnesty for Industrial units for accumulated arrears for the reasons beyond their control. Mr. Virendra Jain also requested that Govt. should freeze Power Tariff for  five years as at present the industry is not capable of bearing the extra burden of power hike. Mr. Jain also urged the Govt. for removal of Edible Oil Industrial units from State Negative List.

AOI also sought representation in Board of Directors of SICOP being the single largest representative organization of local Micro/Small scale units.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister assured AOI representatives to expeditely look into the issues raised and make suitable recommendations to allow Govt. departments to create an atmosphere for smooth functioning of existing units and their subsequent growth.