Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 17: J&K Printers’ Association (JKPA), Jammu has claimed that despite being registered under MSME and contributing significantly to employment and the State economy, over 200 operational printing units in Jammu are currently facing existential crisis.
In a press conference here today Pankaj Sethi, JKPA president, Jammu urged J&K Government, MSME Department, Sales Tax (GST) authorities, GeM Portal Authorities and Jammu University to take a note of the deteriorating condition of the local printing industry in Jammu.
He raised the issues like violation of MSME procurement norms, local printing units not given preference as mandated under MSME procurement policies and MSME units becoming sick. Click here to watch video
The Association leader informed that a Government notification mandated that all departments to get printing jobs done through Government press only and this move sidelined local printers causing them substantial business loss.
He also highlighted unfair tender practices involving favouritism and denial of fair competition. Sethi claimed that vendors from other States (some even defaulters) fail to meet tender specs but are still entertained while the local vendors, even registered, are not allowed entry to raise concerns.
The Association demanded that Jammu, being a disturbed region, deserves price and procurement preference for local vendors and strict adherence to GeM rules and timelines, including payment within 15 days should be ensured.
Other demands included establishment of grievance cell to hear and resolve industry issues. Sanjeev Verma, president, Jammu Printers’ Association also spoke on the occasion.
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