Jammu, Sept 16: A delegation from the Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI), led by President Arun Gupta, met with the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir to discuss a series of critical issues impacting trade, industry, and public infrastructure in Jammu. The delegation, which included prominent CCI members such as Senior Vice President Anil Gupta, Junior Vice President Rajeev Gupta, Secretary General Manish Gupta, and Secretary Rajesh Gupta, presented a comprehensive list of concerns, calling for immediate government intervention.
One of the main issues raised by the CCI was the lack of new residential colonies in Jammu, leading to the growth of unauthorized settlements. President Arun Gupta pointed out the discrepancy in the treatment of government-approved housing projects, where sanctions are being denied, while plot maps for unapproved colonies are being passed. He called for the removal of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement from the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Housing Board for construction on freehold properties.
The Chamber highlighted the urgent need for the development of both residential and commercial zones, stating that no new colonies or commercial areas have been established by the JDA or the Housing Board for over 30 years. Gupta pressed the government to consider new avenues to address this land shortage and suggested reforms to Jammu’s Master Plan, emphasizing that current restrictions, such as a low Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.8, were limiting development. He recommended increasing the FAR to 2.4, aligning Jammu with other states, and stressed that these reforms are pending approval from the Chief Secretary.
Development projects that are moving at a slow pace were also a focal point of the meeting. Gupta cited the delayed River Tawi front beautification and water lake project, as well as the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex restoration, urging the government to expedite these projects. He also pushed for the launch of a light and sound show at Mubarak Mandi to boost tourism.
Tourism development was another priority, with Gupta advocating for transforming Patnitop into a major tourist hub, comparable to popular destinations in the Kashmir Valley like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. He also proposed modernizing other untapped tourist destinations in Jammu, including the Pir Panjal mountain range, Poonch and Rajouri districts, and religious sites such as Shiv Khori, Sudmahadev, and Mata Vaishno Devi.
The delegation brought up concerns regarding lease renewals in Jammu’s commercial areas. Gupta requested the extension of expired leases in Sabzi Mandi and Fruit Mandi Narwal, and pressed for the execution of lease deeds for allottees of shops in Bahu Plaza and Shiv Market, where delays have stretched over 15 years.
Additionally, the unsafe condition of the old bus stand building was highlighted, with Gupta proposing a multi-story project to replace it, ensuring that existing businesses are relocated without disrupting their livelihoods.
The state of Transport Nagar was another concern, with the Chamber urging the government to release additional funds and expedite the development of the area.
In a significant demand for the industrial sector, Gupta requested the government release turnover incentives for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 without imposing a cap. He also called for the removal of the negative list for industrial products manufactured by registered units and proposed a scheme to grant ownership rights to local entrepreneurs and traders holding industrial land for over 25 years.
Other pressing issues included a request for a power amnesty scheme for commercial consumers, similar to one recently introduced for domestic consumers, and addressing the challenges faced by local flour millers. The Chamber urged the government to eliminate or reduce the 6% mandi fee imposed on wheat sourced from neighboring states, which is affecting local millers’ competitiveness.
The Chief Secretary assured the delegation that their concerns would be thoroughly examined, and efforts would be made to resolve the issues in a timely manner.
