Jammu Tawi: A delegation from the Association of Industries (Regd.) Gangyal, Jammu, led by President Virendra Jain, met with Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Chowdhary, to discuss the challenges faced by the Micro/Small Industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The delegation, which included key members of the Association such as S.B. Abrol, Sr. Vice President, Sandeep Ohri, Vice President, Sanjay Langar, General Secretary, and others, sought urgent government intervention to safeguard and protect local industries. The Association of Industries (AOI) called for the introduction of a new industrial policy that would provide incentives on equal terms for both new and existing industries. AOI emphasized the need for timely reimbursement of fiscal incentives, particularly for the local Micro/Small sector, to offset losses incurred since the adoption of the GST regime. They specifically requested a reinstatement of benefits such as VAT remission, CST and Toll Tax exemptions, and central excise duty refunds that were available prior to GST.
In their meeting, AOI members highlighted the importance of local entrepreneurs, particularly “Sons of Soil,” in driving the growth of the industrial sector and providing substantial employment opportunities. They urged the Deputy Chief Minister to enhance the budgetary support for turnover incentives, calling for a significant increase from the current Rs. 50 crore cap for the entire state to Rs. 2,000 crore for the local Micro/Small industrial sector.
The delegation also called for the granting of freehold rights to local entrepreneurs to facilitate equitable mortgaging for securing finances from banks and financial institutions. AOI sought the Deputy Chief Minister’s support in amending clauses that hinder the smooth functioning of industries and in addressing delays in submitting online returns. The delegation also drew attention to the poor infrastructure in various industrial estates managed by SICOP and SIDCO, despite the additional charges levied for development and maintenance. AOI urged the Deputy Chief Minister to allocate additional funds to improve these areas.
In response, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary assured the delegation that he would expedite the resolution of the issues raised and make suitable recommendations to government departments to foster a conducive environment for the growth of existing units and their smooth functioning.
