early times report
Jammu, July 16: The Federation of Industries Jammu (FOIJ) has raised serious concerns over the persistent delays and procedural bottlenecks hampering industrial growth in Jammu & Kashmir. In a detailed communication submitted by Sh. Virendra Jain, Chairman, Federation of Industries, Jammu to the Task Force of Govt. of India led by Special Secretary Sh. K.K. Pathak, IAS in presence of Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce, J&K Sh. Vikramjit Singh, IPS, Director, Industries & Commerce Dr. Arun Manhas, JKAS and other officers of Govt. of India and J&K in a meeting held in Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. The Federation highlighted multiple challenges faced by existing and upcoming industrial units in the region. FOIJ underscored that the local industry, which forms the backbone of J&K’s economy, continues to struggle due to high input costs, limited market avenues, and hostile locational disadvantages. Despite incentives announced by the Government to provide a level playing field, industrialists are burdened by excessive regulatory requirements that slow down the pace of industrialization. Among the key issues highlighted were: Unnecessary Delays Due to NOCs: Entrepreneurs face prolonged delays in establishing industrial units due to the mandatory requirement of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments, including Pollution, Forest, and Fire Services.
FOIJ stressed that each department should handle its own statutory responsibilities without unduly burdening entrepreneurs. Time Bound Clearance System not being implemented while the Public Service Guarantee Act mandates time-bound approvals, the timelines are rarely adhered to, causing frustration and financial strain for investors. Cumbersome Checklists and Repetitive Documentation, the Federation pointed out that departments like Fire and SICOP have issued extensive checklists and NOC requirements even for minor land holdings or within-family ownership changes, leading to further delays and costs. Need to Promote Digitalization, FOIJ emphasized the importance of fully leveraging online systems to minimize manual documentation, repeated submissions, and visits to offices.
FOIJ has urged the Government to streamline processes by removing redundant clauses, limiting inter-departmental formalities, and ensuring approvals are granted within stipulated timeframes. These measures, the Federation asserts, are critical to fostering an environment conducive to industrial growth and to achieving the “Ease of Doing Business” vision in J&K.
|
