Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 14: Jammu Civil Society (JCS), Gandhi Nagar today organized a panel discussion on issues related to transition of J&K state into union territory, with BJP MP Shamsher Singh Manhas, former MLAs Sat Sharma, Kavin-der Gupta, Sham Lal Sharma, retired IPS Kuldeep Khooda and other dignitaries at Gandhi Nagar Jammu.
Shamsher Singh Manhas was the chief guest on the occasion. Presenting welcome address, CA Pardeep Gandotra pointed out that after abrogation of Article 370 & 35A, civil society is hopeful of large investments in all sectors in J&K State. He suggested that in view the failure of previous packages the Government should carefully design the package in consultation with technocrats and major stake holders in Government.
It was also suggested that in order to give a flip to the economy, the fiscal incentives in shape of Income tax relief and GST exemption etc should cover all sectors including service and trade sector which are providing direct and indirect employment to lakhs of people and are continuously suffering due to bad law & order situation in J&K. Also the incentives should be for a fixed and longer period of time so as to ensure stability.
After detailed discussions and inputs from various stake holders, it was unanimously resolved that toll tax should be abolished as it cannot co-exist with GST legally and Government may compensate the affected industries in the shape of matching incentives so that existing local industry does not suffer.
It was also resolved that Government should explore various options to revive J&K bank, get withdrawn advisories issued by various countries regarding visit by their national’s to J&K, ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity and boost the industrial sector by setting up of at least one mega manufacturing unit.
The Civil Society also resolved that fiscal incentives in the shape of income tax relief and GST exemption for 10 years should cover all sectors including service & trade sector in J&K UT, order on reduction of power tariff for hotel industry should be restored, registration charges for vehicles should be reduced and Government should promote quality education and create sports infrastructure for national as well as international competitions.
JCS members also demanded digitization of land records and introduction of e-stamp paper, introduction of Hindi and English language for revenue records in Jammu Division, ownership rights for commercial land to outsiders and grant of permission for purchase of residential and agricultural land after 10 to 15 years stay in J&K, policy for conversion of industrial land into freehold on payment of token premium to existing industrial units, etc.
MP Shamsher Singh Manhas and other dignitaries discussed the issues in detail and assured the members that due consideration will be given to all the issues raised during the meeting while framing the UT policy. The chief guest proposed to hold such interactions on regular basis.
Other prominent citizens who spoke on the occasion included Vinod Sachdeva, Neeraj Anand, Lalit Mahajan, Rahul Sahay, Mohit Oswal, Prof BC Sharma, Raman Samnotra, Wing Commander Joshi, Vikrant Kuthalia, Vikram Gujral, KK Gandhi, SP Verma, Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta, Jagar Singh, Anil Kapahi, Vijay Saraf, Sahil Mahajan, Prem Diwan, Ajay Talla, Naveen Sen Anand, Ram Paul Gandotra, Subash Gupta, Jagdish Langar and Kuldeep Wahi.
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