Tagging of schools, textbook issue also discussed
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 6: President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Javed Ahmad Tenga, has discussed several issues ranging from the tourism sector to the education sector with LG Manoj Sinha during their recent meeting.
KCCI, in a statement issued here, said that important issues facing the business community were discussed during the meeting, and a memorandum was also submitted detailing these issues.
Regarding tourism, KCCI stated that the matter of the renewal of Tourism Registration Licenses for Hotels, Guest Houses, Restaurants, and Houseboats was discussed.
“The prolonged delays, absence of a Single Window system, non-adherence to Ease of Doing Business norms, and multiple NOCs caused tremendous difficulties for tourism stakeholders, which need to be addressed on a priority basis,” the statement mentioned.
The trade body informed that the Lt. Governor’s attention was invited to the deteriorating infrastructure in the hospitality sector due to the non-issuance of permissions for repairs, renovation, and reconstruction of hotels in Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Srinagar.
“The properties need to be upgraded to bring them in sync with the amenities and facilities required during modern times.”
Regarding the industry, the KCCI President, during the meeting, sought the Lt. Governor’s intervention in the implementation of Industrial Policies in letter and spirit and addressing other industry issues.
Tenga also raised the issue of tagging 125 JKBOSE-affiliated private schools with Government schools across J&K, stating that it would affect at least 2300 employees and cause difficulties for thousands of students.
“During the meeting, KCCI proposed a 1-year extension to these schools, with special consideration by the Government on lease and related issues.”
Further, regarding the standardization of JKBOSE books in consonance with NEP-2020, the President said it would affect 200 private publishers, 1000 representatives, and 3200 book sellers.
“KCCI suggested that, considering the huge amount of capital involved by both the bank and the traders, a deferment of two years be considered to enable them to liquidate the same.”
On banking issues, Tenga, as per KCCI, impressed upon the LG the urgent need to announce an uncapped and longer period valid OTS Scheme by the J&K Bank.
The President also pleaded for an announcement of power amnesty for Commercial Power Consumers, on the analogy of the amnesty granted to domestic consumers.