Several deputations call on CM; seek tourism promotion, support to artisans

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti interacting with a deputation at Srinagar on Thursday.
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti interacting with a deputation at Srinagar on Thursday.

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 2: Several deputations from all walks of life today met the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti and brought issues concerning them into her notice.
The deputations generally sought launching a vigorous campaign to promote tourism within the markets of country and outside particularly ASEAN countries. They also sought incentivising LTC facility for employees to visit Jammu & Kashmir besides prioritising winter and conference tourism.
The deputations of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) and J&K Chapter of PHD Chamber of Commerce also requested the Chief Minister to consider a loan waiver and support to the artisan community to protect and promote handicraft industry in the State.
The KCCI deputation also strongly pitched for establishing an integrated Textile Park besides release of incentives to tourism industry.
The PHD Chamber deputation headed by leading hotelier, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya sought setting up of warehouse in the Valley, an action plan for weavers to strengthen handicraft sector and GST waiver on the industry besides developing horticulture, sericulture and MSME sectors in the State. They also demanded development of Tattoo Ground and opening of interior lanes in Bal Garden, Karan Nagar and  Kak Sarai areas.
A deputation from Gulamarg demanded construction of embankments on the Ferozepur nallah, early completion of Tangmarg-Poonch road and development of tourist villages in the area. Another deputation of PHE employees union sought rationalisation of vacancy position in the department in view of the increased reach and scope of the department. They also demanded change in the nomenclature of various positions in the department.
Several deputations from Pulwama sought measures to be taken for the development and beautification of the town. They also demanded developing Pulwama Bye Pass into a road besides beautification of Dhobi khul. They also demanded setting up of a PHC at Litter, installation of street lights and construction of community hall in the town.
A deputation from Harwan sought more funds for the area development, earmarking land for a children’s Park, sports ground and a health centre.
A deputation of scholars from Kashmir University and SKUAST-K sought rationalisation of eligibility criteria for selection by the Public Service Commission and other agencies. A deputation of transformer workshop owners Association sought payment of dues for their works.
Deputations of members of cooperative unions, IMPA faculty, contractual college teachers, Poultry Dealers Association, television artists etc also met Mehbooba Mufti and sought redressal of their issues.
The Chief Minister assured the deputations to look into the issues raised by them and take action at the earliest.