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| Rather kicks off pre-budget discussions | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, January 17 – Finance Minister, Mr. A. R. Rather started his pre-budget discussion from the valley of Kashmir here today on Sunday.
The Minister was accompanied by Advisor to Government, Economic Affairs, Mr. J. A Khan, Commissioner Secretary, Finance, Mr. Sudanshu Pandey, Excise Commissioner, Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Commissioner Commercial Taxes, Khawaja Bashir Ahmad, Consultant Commissioner Sale Taxes department, Mr. R. K. Mahindru and various officers of Excise and Taxation, Kashmir.
The meetings were held with Federation of Chamber of Industries, Kashmir (FCIK) office bearers led by its president, Mr. Shakeel Qalander, Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation headed by M. Sadiq Baqal and Hotel Association, Kashmir led by its president Mushtaq Ahmad.
The Federations put forth various suggestions and highlighted problems confronting to various sectors in the valley besides upgradation of sick industrial units. The Federations among other things raised the issues of VAT, Construction of Mini Power Stations, setting up of fertilizer plant for garbage promotion of tourism, financial assistance to hotels etc.
The FCIK expressed their gratitude for acceding to many of the suggestions made earlier. Mr. Qalander also appreciated stepping up of work of Mughal Road and construction of tunnel between Kishtwar and Vailoo. He said road connectivity in the state will transform the socio-economic status.
The Finance Minster in his address assured that the suggestions put forth by the federations would be considered with all its merits. He appreciated federations for having full knowledge about Good and Service Tax and said measures in this behalf have already been initiated. He said our government has made clear to Union Finance Minster that Jammu and Kashmir State is ready to introduce proposed GST Act.
He said another meeting with all the stakeholders will be convened at Srinagar for seeking further suggestions before the budget session scheduled to commence from February 22, 2010. The government, he said, will ensure to remove any apprehension of all the stakeholders. He appealed FCIK and other allied associations of Jammu and Kashmir to extend their help in eradicating misappropriations in tax paying system.
Regarding investments by banks operating in the state, the Finance Minster said all the banks have been directed recently to invest in this backward state and not go only for collecting deposits. He hoped the bankers will change their style of functioning, however, all the problems, if any, being faced by banks would be sorted out.
Referring to the employment policy and skill development, Mr. Rather said skill development programme will be launched on massive scale in the state. He said government service is not the only answer to tackle unemployment. He assured that government will come to the expectations and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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