CCI delegation calls on CM Omar Abdullah, raises trade and industry issues
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI) Jammu, led by its President Arun Gupta, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his Public Services and Outreach Office ‘Raabita’ at Canal Road, Jammu. The delegation discussed various long-pending issues concerning trade, industry, infrastructure, and tourism development in the region.
During the interaction, Arun Gupta expressed concern over delays in several important projects like the beautification of the Tawi River front, the artificial lake project, and the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex. He stressed the need to develop Patnitop with modern facilities, including five-star hotels, to promote tourism.
He also urged the government to develop a religious tourist circuit in Jammu to attract pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi. Citing the potential of sites like Raghunath Mandir, Jamwant Cave, Shiv Khori, Shahdra Sharief, Budha Amarnath, and others, he demanded improved infrastructure and a dedicated promotion campaign. He further highlighted the untapped tourism potential of areas like Peer Panchal, Poonch, Rajouri, Surinsar, Mansar, and Bhaderwah.
The CCI President also raised issues related to bifurcation of plots in Gandhi Nagar and Channi Himmat Housing Colonies and demanded development of new residential colonies and commercial markets in Jammu City. He mentioned that lease deeds for allottees in Bahu Plaza and Shiv Market Railway Station remain pending despite full payment and called for their immediate execution.
Other issues discussed included the renewal of expired lease deeds for Sabzi Mandi/Fruit Mandi, properties under J&K Housing Board and JMC, and resolution of the Gair Mumkin Khad land issue. He also urged rehabilitation of shopkeepers displaced by flyover projects at Kunjwani-Satwari and Canal Road.
Regarding industry, Gupta sought extension of the expiring Industrial Policy beyond 2026, disbursement of turnover incentives, and ownership rights for local entrepreneurs and warehouse traders. He also emphasized the need to support the struggling transport sector.
In response, CM Omar Abdullah assured that ongoing projects would be expedited and religious tourism circuits promoted. He affirmed that industrial incentives remain under active consideration with the Union Government. He further promised a joint meeting with Housing and Urban Development officials to resolve pending urban issues.
Also present were CCI office bearers Rajeev Gupta (Jr. Vice President) and Rajesh Gupta (Secretary).
