Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: The Industrialists holding units at the Bari Brahmana Industrial complex have sought immediate attention of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga and Forest Minister Choudhary Lal Singh towards some urgent issues which are threatening the very survival of industries.
Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference here today, the representative of Industries led by Lalit Mahajan, president BBIA said that, despite loud talks about the New Industrial Policy – 2016, the existing Industries are badly suffering on account of many faulty and deficient Government services, particularly in the Bari Brahmana Industrial Complex.
Referring to the power issue, Mahajan said though unit holders are thankful to DyCM for the reduction in electricity duty and announcing 24-hours uninterrupted power supply but on ground the power availability is a major issue for the Industrial sector. He said because of the casual attitude of PDD officials, the Industrialists are suffering badly for want of electricity and un-scheduled tripping of power supply is the main cause of concern.
Mr Mahajan pointed out that due to non-release of new power connections, many upcoming units are suffering. As per the Govt order No.152-PDD of 2011 dated 28-04-2011 by the virtue of which the regular monthly meeting should be held to clear the pending cases of power sanction whereas, the power connections of Industrial units ranging from 6 to 8 Mega Watts are pending for the last two years. Some power connections sanctioned in the month of January 2016 and April 2016 are not yet released. The PDD has failed to provide 24 hour power supply in the Complex.
It is to be mentioned here that with the interventions of DyCM Rs 70 lakh was sanctioned for a new 33 KV line but the department failed to commissioned the same due to non availability of bay at Grid Station.
Referring to the new Industrial Policy 2016, the BBIA president said that some points are needed to be taken into consideration. He said the land should be given on 90 years lease basis with extendable for further period. There should be no change in the existing land premium rates for sons of the soil with a provision for a free hold conversion of the leased land with ownership rights for local residents of J&K.
The project implementation period should be three to four years keeping in mind the cumbersome procedure for obtaining necessary permission from the different departments. Exit route should be given to sick/closed PMT units. Exemption should be given to Industrial sector from the preview of Service Tax on employment of contractual labour. Industrial Sector should be exempted from the preview of negative list.
Referring to the State Pollution Control Board, the BBIA chief extended gratitude to the Forest Minister for the extension in the time of renewal of consent to operate & reduction in the fees for obtaining consent to establish/ operate but at present the issue/ renewal of consent to establish/ operate is suspended by the department for the reason best known to them due to which the Industrial units are suffering very badly as they are not in a position to get their requisite clearance from different Departments due to non submission of valid consent to establish/operate to be issued by the SPCB.
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