LISTENING TO BUSINESS VOICES
In a region as economically delicate and socially nuanced as Jammu and Kashmir, the resilience of trade and tourism is not merely a question of economics but a reflection of broader stability and public confidence. Against this backdrop, the recent engagement between the government and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) marks a meaningful step toward healing longstanding fissures and recalibrating economic priorities. At a high-level meeting held at the Civil Secretariat, wide-ranging issues affecting various industries were brought to the fore, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges confronting the business community. The participation of top bureaucrats and key departmental representatives, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, added gravity to the discourse, signaling the administration’s intent to move beyond perfunctory consultation.
It is important to acknowledge the tone of the interaction—not adversarial or bureaucratic, but collaborative, transparent, and solution-oriented. The delegation led by the KCCI presented concerns that span across core sectors, including tourism, agriculture, horticulture, education, health, hospitality, and urban transport. These are not isolated silos but interwoven threads that together form the economic fabric of Kashmir. When tourism suffers, so does transport; when agriculture falters, so do ancillary sectors. This interdependence is well understood by both the private sector and the administration, and it is encouraging to see that acknowledged through policy-level dialogue. The government’s commitment to exploring a targeted, structured relief package—designed in coordination with industry stakeholders—is a positive sign. Relief, in this context, should not be mistaken for charity. It is a necessary intervention to preserve entrepreneurial vitality and socio-economic stability. The acknowledgment shows a welcome shift from reactive policymaking to a deeper understanding of systemic issues. Equally significant is the administration’s stated willingness to take up these matters with the Government of India, particularly the Union Finance Ministry, to seek enhanced financial and institutional support. What adds credibility to this process is the specificity with which the issues were discussed. From moratoriums on loan repayments and interest subvention to safeguarding businesses from being classified as NPAs, the concerns raised were immediate and actionable. The suggestion to facilitate emergency credit lines and soft loans for transporters, alongside policy reforms in tourism promotion, land allotment for industrial units, and export facilitation, reflects a holistic and well-reasoned approach from the business community. The government’s assurance to actively consider these matters, especially those affecting smaller players like local transport operators, homestay owners, and small vendors, is particularly commendable. These stakeholders represent the grassroots of Kashmir’s economy and are most vulnerable in the current climate. Equally vital was the focus on promoting local tourism and educational excursions within Jammu and Kashmir. In the absence of international footfall and restrictions on certain destinations, internal mobility and confidence-building through domestic tourism offer an immediate avenue for revival. The proposal to host parliamentary consultative committee meetings and national-level events in the valley is also a smart move, not just to stimulate economic activity but to send a strong symbolic message about Kashmir’s readiness to re-engage with the wider national mainstream. The editorial eye must also pause to appreciate the call for ethical business practices. Amid discussions of revival and relief, the emphasis on honest dealings with tourists and curbing unfair trade practices speaks to a higher ideal—restoring faith in Kashmir as a reliable destination, not just beautiful but trustworthy. This is where governance and community self-regulation must go hand in hand. Misbranding, overcharging, or selling counterfeit products can severely erode whatever goodwill is being rebuilt. A fair tourism experience today is the best advertisement for tomorrow. Moreover, the structural issues raised—pertaining to electricity amnesty, business compliance, environmental clearances, and the long-awaited lease policy—cannot be relegated to the back burner. These concerns have lingered for years and are now obstacles in the path of a full economic recovery. Streamlining these administrative processes, in consultation with the business community, will go a long way in creating an enabling environment. Policy fatigue among entrepreneurs is real, and only a time-bound, transparent redressal mechanism can restore their confidence. As we look ahead, the most crucial takeaway from this dialogue is the promise of sustained engagement. A single meeting, however comprehensive, cannot be the end of the road. There must be continuity, periodic review, and visible follow-through. What the business community seeks is not only relief but also a partnership in shaping the region’s economic trajectory. The government must now transform these assurances into action, with timelines and tangible outcomes.
In a place where economic renewal is inextricably linked with emotional and psychological restoration, such collaborative frameworks offer more than policy—they offer hope. And in the story of Jammu and Kashmir, hope remains the most precious capital.
– From Bold News Editorial Desk
