Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: President of the Akhnoor Industrial Association, Lakhbir Singh Sohal (Navy veteran), Harbinder Singh, President of the Tiny Industries Association, Jammu Province, and others met with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and held in-depth discussion on various pressing challenges being faced by the industrial sector and Ex-Servicemen community in the Jammu region.
The delegation emphasized critical issues including the need for industrial development, simplification of procedures to enhance the ease of doing business, develpoment of existing Industrial Estates, etc.
“It is encouraging that the Government has initiated several measures for industrial promotion under the New Industrial Policy. However, to further facilitate sustainable industrial development, separate MSME industrial policy is required by amending GEM policy with procurement of 25 percent products from local market,” delegation explained, adding that many existing industrial units continue to operate on leasehold plots, resulting in restricted financial autonomy and limited scope for expansion or modernization and hence provision be made for the conversion of such plots into freehold ownership rights on applicable terms and conditions.
Lakhbir Singh demanded that a dedicated State Ex-Servicemen Commission be constituted for its function as a statutory body to monitor grievances, welfare schemes, and policies specifically meant for retired defence personnel. He also demanded a Sainik Bhawan in Akhnoor and Bye Pass road to decongest the traffic in Akhnoor Town.
Col P S Badal suggested construction of a museum in the memory of brave heart martyrs in various operations
The Chief Minister attentively heard the concerns and candidly acknowledged certain limitations in fulfilling some of the demands under the current administrative structure due to the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir. However, he expressed optimism that the grant of full Statehood, expected in the near future, would empower the State Government to address these longstanding and genuine demands of the industrialists and Ex- Servicemen in true letter and spirit.
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