Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar.12: Chairman PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI) Jammu Region, Rakesh Wazir, presented a series of suggestions to the Chief Secretary Atul Dullu aimed at further improving the business environment in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir during an interaction on the `Ease of Doing Business’.
Speaking on the occasion, Wazir stated that Ease of Doing Business is the need of the hour and emphasized that only those countries, states, or Union Territories have succeeded where a conducive working atmosphere exists and businesses are able to operate smoothly. He welcomed the efforts of the Government towards deregulation and reduction of compliances under Phase-1 of Ease of Doing Business reforms, while expressing confidence that Phase-2 reforms would further strengthen the investment and business ecosystem in the Union Territory.
While presenting his suggestions, Wazir proposed that the Commencement of Commercial Operations Certificate should be issued simply by verifying that the unit has started operations, while remaining formalities may be completed later before availing incentives. He also suggested that incentives should be extended for substantial expansion of existing units, similar to the earlier provisions under the Industrial Development Scheme (IDS) in the comming incentive scheme.
He further pointed out that the number of documents required while applying for incentives should be significantly reduced, as many entrepreneurs refrain from availing incentives due to the lengthy and complicated process.
Wazir also stressed the simplification of the tourism registration process for hotels, guest houses and paying guest accommodations. He recommended the introduction of self-registration for tourism units on the pattern of the Industries sector, where registration is done through the Udyam Portal. He further suggested that such registration should be one-time with no renewal, while the concerned department may carry out periodic inspections and cancel registrations in case of serious deficiencies. Highlighting the need to promote tourism infrastructure, he proposed that homes should be allowed to convert into homestays without formalities.
Chief Secretary listened to all the suggestions and assured that each point would be considered sympathetically.
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