Sites for Industrial Parks around Katra identified
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: While interacting with a delegation of Hotel & Association Katra, Director Industries & Commerce, Anoo Malhotra said that as committed by Commissioner cum Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, the sites of Industrial Estates around Katra have been identified, in which one is Garn just 9 Km from Katra and 2nd is Khairal, which is a bit far and hopefully the work on the establishment of Industrial Park at Garn would start soon and as suggested by Association the decision with regard to its nature i.e. dealing with products particularly related to Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, Ayurveda and products whose raw material is available around Katra like Chavanprash, packed Prasad, Dry Fruit, Pickles, Masalas, Honey, Patkas, Jute Bags, Chunries etc would also be taken soon.
The delegation was comprised of Association President Rakesh Wazir, Chairman Shyam Lal Kesar, Sr Vice President Virender Kesar, Vice President Ajay Kotwal, Executive Member Sanjay Gupta, Mangal Singh and Virender Mattu.
Rakesh Wazir, while speaking on the occasion said that establishment of such Industrial park besides adding to religious sentiments, will give employment to people.
Shyam Lal Kesar said that Tourism has been declared as Industry and likewise all the benefits of Industry be provided to it like re-imbursement of GST and power tariff to Hotels. He elaborated that when GST was introduced and big taxes in shape of GST were imposed on Hotel Industry, it was assured by the authorities that GST will be refunded but Hotel Industry is still waiting for refund of GST on the pattern of manufacturing Industry.
Virender Kesar and Ajay Kotwal, while speaking on the occasion emphasized for special package to Tourism Industry because it is the only Industry which has been hit the most and even on date when other Industries are reviving gradually, chances of revival of Tourism is looking bleak in absence of inter-state buses and condition of Pre-COVID test for Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
Director I&C listened to the delegation patiently and assured that every necessary measure would be taken to resolve each and every highlighted issue, which pertains to her and others would be taken up with concerned authorities.
