Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 9: The Association of Small & Tiny Industries (ASTI) today appealed the Government to save Micro Industry and Startup entrepreneurs in Jammu region as they are under crisis due to `exploitation’ by various financial institutions.
Addressing a press conference here today, Harbinder Singh, president of the Association said that there are number of impressive schemes for the Micro Industry and Start-ups, launched by the Govt of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi but unfortunately many bank officials are out of the way and wrongfully declaring the borrowers of the local Micro industry owners as defaulter/NPA in violation of loan agreement and the guidelines of the Govt of India and the RBI.
Harbinder Singh further said that some bank officials are purchasing the industrial property themselves by proxy, compelling the entrepreneurs to make the depressed sale of their units. The Micro industrialists may be saved from the further exploitation at the hands of such bank officials.
ASTI president demanded an inquiry against the SARB branch of the State Bank of India Jammu. He said due to Covid the industry as well each sector had badly hit. The Govt of India had directed the banks to take lenient steps for recovery of loans due to massive losses suffered by them, but some officials in violation of guidelines and RBI norms, were hell bent to exploit the entrepreneurs.
Chander Mohan Sharma (Adv), former member of J&K Human Rights Commission said that there are clear violation of the Human Rights of young entrepreneurs who have initiated start-ups on being encouraged by the Govt of India. But due to indifferent attitude of different departments particularly financial institutions, many of them have reached at the verge of starvation.
He urged the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Finance Minister, to intervene into the matter and save the young entrepreneurs. Sharma claimed that he will also take up this issue with the National Human Rights Commission.
General secretary Ajay Jagotra, senior vice president Sanjay Chopra, vice president Vipan Singh and secretary Deepak Thukral also accompanied during conference.
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