Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 17: The Federation of Industries Jammu (FOIJ) has raised serious concern over the persistent delays and procedural bottlenecks hampering industrial growth in Jammu & Kashmir.
In a detailed communication submitted by Virendra Jain, Chairman, Federation of Industries, Jammu to the Task Force of Govt of India led by Special Secretary KK Pathak, in presence of Commissioner/ Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh and others at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, the Federation highlighted multiple challenges faced by existing and upcoming industrial units in the region.
FOIJ underscored that the local industry, which forms the backbone of J&K’s economy, continues to struggle due to high input costs, limited market avenues, and hostile locational disadvantages. Despite incentives announced by the Government to provide a level playing field, industrialists are burdened by excessive regulatory requirements that slow down the pace of industrialization.
Among the key issues highlighted were- unnecessary delays due to NOCs; entrepreneurs face prolonged delays in establishing industrial units due to the mandatory requirement of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments, including Pollution, Forest, and Fire Services. FOIJ stressed that each department should handle its own statutory responsibilities without unduly burdening entrepreneurs. Time Bound Clearance System not being implemented while the Public Service Guarantee Act mandates time-bound approvals, the timelines are rarely adhered to, causing frustration and financial strain for investors.
On cumbersome checklists and repetitive documentation, the Federation pointed out that departments like Fire and SICOP have issued extensive checklists and NOC requirements even for minor land holdings or within-family ownership changes, leading to further delays and costs.
The Federation asserted that the critical issues are needed to be resolved, fostering an environment conducive to industrial growth and to achieving the “Ease of Doing Business” vision in J&K.
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