PHDCCI Jammu submits memorandum to CM, seeks revival package for industry & tourism
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), Jammu Region Chapter, Chairman Rakesh Wazir, today submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir,Omar Abdullah,in the pre budget meeting, highlighting urgent demands and constructive suggestions aimed at the survival, sustenance and revival of trade, commerce, industry and tourism in the Union Territory, with special focus on the Jammu region.
The memorandum seeks extension of the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) beyond September 2024 with a special focus on local entrepreneurs, inclusion of hotel renovation and up-gradation of existing industrial units, and restoration of substantial expansion benefits similar to the Industrial Package-2017.
Emphasising tourism-led growth, PHDCCI urged the government to encourage investments that strengthen tourism infrastructure such as hotels, universities, hospitals, medical colleges, boarding schools and hospitality institutes, thereby promoting health, education, adventure and religious tourism.
The Chamber also demanded reimbursement of GST and industrial power tariff to the hotel industry at par with manufacturing units, stating that hotels were assured GST refunds at the time of its introduction but are still awaiting relief.
Highlighting the plight of the flour milling industry, the memorandum raised concern over the 6% mandi fee levied by Punjab on wheat purchased by J&K millers, which places them at a severe disadvantage compared to local Punjab millers and threatens the viability of the sector.
To boost tourism, PHDCCI proposed diversion of the annual one crore Vaishno Devi pilgrims to other tourist and pilgrim destinations across J&K to increase their stay. Suggestions included light and sound shows at Katra, beautification of Mansar Lake, establishment of a tourism museum, integrated tour packages, improved publicity, and promotion of Mata Ki Parikrama Yatra and traditional pilgrimage routes.
The memorandum also stressed planned beautification of Katra town, stronger publicity through print, electronic and digital media, revival of film tourism by removing high shooting fees at Vaishnodevi ji, early start of the ?10-crore dedicated water supply scheme for Katra, and simplification of tourism registration and renewal procedures for hotels and guest houses. Chief Minister listened each and every point raised in the meeting and assured that sympathetic consideration to each and every point would be given.
