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| For Industrialists, last hope thrashed | | PM non committal even as Azad pursued case vigorously | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Apr 26
With their heart reaching out to the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad with appreciations, the industrialists from Jammu as well as Srinagar have returned disappointed after taking up their plea at the highest level.
Unrest had been prevailing among the industrialists since March 27 after a Government of India notification sought withdrawal of the industrial incentives. After taking the State Government to their side, the industrialists had been waiting for an opportunity to take up with the matter with the Central Government. Since the program of the Prime Minister’s Jammu visit was known, the industrialists had a last hope of getting the order, which they describe as death warrant, quashed.
However, after their meeting with the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at the Raj Bhawan here this morning, the industrialists have returned disappointed with the loss of hope they had in this opportunity. The industrialists say that the Prime Minister refused to offer a word of assurance even though the Chief Ministre Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was present on the occasion, made all possible efforts to convince Dr Singh.
After meeting the Prime Minister, the industrialists said, “the whole industrial fraternity of Jammu is shocked and anguished by the cold approach of Prime Minister on this issue despite assurances given by Chief Minister to get this issue resolved”.
“Prime Minister heard the problems industries but did not give any assurance over the matter. Although he expressed his desire to fulfill the earlier commitments of the Government of India but stated that this matter required to be discussed with the Union Finance Minister for its resolution. Although our Chief Minister who was aware of this problem and its consequences did try his best to plead our case”, said Sanjay Mehra, the Vice President of the Bari Brahmna Industrial Association. He added, It seems that the Union Government neither wants industrialization nor is concerned to change socio economic scenario of this state which could have been made possible with the industrial package”.
In their meeting with the Prime Minister today delegation of industrialists had strongly conveyed their feelings over the Central Government’s decision to dilute the industrial incentive package for Jammu and Kashmir which has come as a rude shock to the industry in this hilly and troubled state.
The Prime Minister was informed that the Package of incentive was extended by the Govt. of India to J&K from 2002 to 2012. But the premature virtual withdrawal with four years remaining of the Excise Duty Exemption is a breach of trust & commitment, which will have wider & negative implications in times to come. He was informed that the credibility of the Central Govt. has been lost for J&K State hence no body from outside the State will come for investment in industries or other infrastructure sectors. Hence the new Notification should be withdrawn in Toto or some other option for central excise incentive should be available to this militancy effected state.
He was also appraised that if this Notification is not withdrawn more than 50,000 people will loose their jobs in these industries which will create serious financial difficulties for businesses as well as labour. A memorandum was submitted to him by Annil Suri, the Chairman of the Federation of Industries.
Besides, Chief Minister, the Industries Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora, Economic Advisor Dr. Haseeb Drabu and Industries Secretatry Dr. Pawan Kotwal were also present during the interaction. The delegation was comprised of members both from Jammu and Kashmir Valley. |
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