 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Jan 21: A delegation from the Association of Industries (Regd.), Gangyal, Jammu, led by Sh. Virendra Jain, President, along with senior members including 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, met with Sh. Surinder Chowdhary, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, to address the challenges faced by the Micro/Small Industrial sector in the region.
The delegation apprised the Deputy Chief Minister about the current state of the industrial sector, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, and urged the government to take immediate measures to safeguard and support local industries. The Association emphasized the need for a new industrial policy and a comprehensive package of incentives, which should equally benefit both new and existing industries.
The Association specifically highlighted the necessity of compensating local Micro/Small industries by reimbursing fiscal incentives, including VAT remission, CST and toll tax exemptions, and central excise duty refunds, at levels comparable to those before the GST regime was implemented in J&K.
AOI also stressed the importance of acknowledging the contributions of local entrepreneurs, who have significantly boosted employment in the region, and urged the government to enhance the budgetary support for the reimbursement of turnover incentives. The delegation called for an increase in the budget allocation for the Micro/Small sector to Rs. 2000 crore, instead of the current cap of Rs. 50 crores, ensuring that local industries receive the financial support they need to thrive.
Another key request made by the AOI was for the granting of freehold rights to local Micro/Small entrepreneurs, which would enable them to obtain larger loans from banks and financial institutions by offering equitable mortgage. The Association also requested amendments to the current online return system, which has caused delays and hindered smooth business operations.
Acknowledging the government's focus on promoting new enterprises, AOI urged that existing units be treated equally, with incentives for expansion and additional lines of manufacturing. They also advocated for the removal of the GeM Portal for locally manufactured goods, which could benefit local industries by prioritizing market support.
The condition of industrial infrastructure, particularly in SICOP/SIDCO estates, was another concern raised by the delegation. Despite development and maintenance charges, the infrastructure remains in poor condition, and AOI requested additional funds for its improvement.
Further, AOI stressed the need to streamline the procurement process for raw materials for the cricket bat industry, which is primarily based in rural areas. They also called for an extension of the tenure for in-house Band Saws licenses and a power amnesty for industries facing accumulated arrears due to uncontrollable factors. Additionally, the delegation requested a freeze on power tariffs for five years and the removal of edible oil industrial units from the state's negative list.
Finally, AOI sought representation on the Board of Directors of SICOP to ensure that local Micro/Small scale units have a voice in decision-making.
The Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation that their concerns would be carefully considered and that recommendations would be made to facilitate smoother operations for existing industries, fostering their growth and sustainability. |
