Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) deputation called on Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta here on Tuesday and sought change in timing of weekend lockdown to be imposed on upcoming Friday besides highlighting various other demands.
In the meeting with Chief Secretary J&K, the CCI delegation led by its president Arun Gupta raised the issue of ensuing weekend lockdown scheduled to be imposed on Friday at 2:00 PM till the Monday morning and demanded that the same should be imposed after 9:00 PM on the aforesaid day as the business community has already incurred colossal losses and such curbs are further causing undue losses to the people earning their livelihood through business.
President CCI said that government should consider the hardships of the business community of J&K before taking the decisions of lockdowns. He said that a considerate view should be taken by the government before directing the businessmen to shut their establishments on Friday.
Gupta also highlighted the issue of New Excise Policy which has rendered the owners of the previous wine shops jobless and even penniless. He urged the Chief Secretary to examine and find some via-media to review the Excise Policy to accommodate the old licensees who lost their source of income. He also said that the policy should be formulated to ensure local trade and business guarantee to the people of the region.
The CCI president welcomed the government move whereby agriculture land can be used for residential, commercial, real estate purposes. “This is a welcome step and will enable the outside investors to establish their units here”, he added. He urges the Chief Secretary to redefine “Kism” land type so that people in large besides investors should invest hassle free.
Arun Gupta also demanded that the security pickets around Raghunath Ji Temple should be removed and frisking should be optimal to raise the sense of security among the devotees as the current practice is a bit harsh leading to apprehensions among the minds of visitors.
The Chief Secretary gave a patient hearing and assured for early consideration of issues put forth during the meeting.
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