 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 18: A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu met with the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, IAS, extending warm congratulations on his assumption of the esteemed position of Chief Secretary UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation, led by Arun Gupta, discussed various developmental initiatives and urged for their swift implementation to enhance the appeal of Jammu and attract more pilgrims and tourists.
The delegation emphasized the need for expediting the development and beautification of Tawi River banks, including the creation of a freshwater lake. They stressed the importance of such projects to attract pilgrims and tourists, especially with the upcoming train connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
Concerns were raised about the slow progress of work on the Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex. The delegation urged for the acceleration of the project and the prompt initiation of the light and sound system. The delegation proposed the development of Patnitop as a tourist hub, drawing inspiration from patterns followed in Gulmarg and Pahalgam. They suggested allowing commercial activities in the area to boost tourism.
Issues related to long-pending allotments, including those at Shiv Market Railway Station, Sabzi Mandi, Fruit Mandi Narwal, and Bahu Plaza commercial shops, were highlighted. The delegation requested the Chief Secretary's intervention to expedite these matters.
The delegation presented several requests for legislative revisions, including the application of the delayed payment act to MSME registered firms, reexamination of GST structures for specific businesses, enhancement of the e-way bill limit, and demands for VAT and power amnesty schemes.
Infrastructure concerns, such as the replacement of old water pipes and the allocation of Custodian Land for industrial use, were raised. The delegation also proposed a scheme for ownership rights of leasehold industrial land to local entrepreneurs after 25 years, with a nominal conversion fee.
The delegation sought the release of announced turnover incentives for existing industries for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 without any capping. Additionally, they demanded VAT amnesty schemes and power amnesties for commercial users.
The delegation proposed that Custodian Land allocated for industrial use should be transferred at rates equivalent to normal industrial land transfer fees.
The delegation, accompanied by other office bearers including Anil Gupta, Rajeev Gupta, Manish Gupta, and Rajesh Gupta, emphasized the crucial role of these initiatives in fostering economic growth and development in the region. |
