Jammu, July 12 (KNN) Failure of the power department to adopt the concept of Ease of Doing Business has led Jammu & Kashmir to rank 22nd in the EODB report released by DIPP.

A meeting of Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) was held under the presidentship of Lalit Mahajan and other office bearers and members of the association.

During the course of discussions members present in the meeting raised serious concern for “non-implementation” of Ease of Doing Concept by the Power Development Department which they said had resulted into lower ranking of the state.

BBIA however lauded the efforts of Shalindra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department & Chairman, Pollution Control Department stating that its due to his efforts that the state has achieved 22nd position this year from 31st ranking last year.

“It is a matter of great concern that the adoption of Ease of Doing Concept by Power Development Department is pending since last two years in spite of the necessary directions by then Chief Minister & Deputy Chief Minister in the number of meetings held with the stakeholders,” BBIA President Mahajan said. 

BBIA members alleged that the Power Development Department does not adhere to the guidelines of the Government Order issued on April 28, 2011 which stated that a regular monthly meeting shall be held to clear the pending Power Connection cases.

Further the file related to the Re-Delegation of Powers to the Designated Officials to minimize the delay in the sanction of Power Connections has not yet been cleared by the Department in spite of the Assurances given by the Government from time to time, BBIA said. 

The members pointed that the industrial sector is suffering badly because of delay in the Power Sanction due to cumbersome procedures adopted by the Power Development Department resulting into unit holders being left with no option but to run from one department to other department of PDD for the clearance of files.

“MSMEs keep running from department to department like M&RE-Division, STD Division, System & Operation Wing and Grid Construction Division where as it is the need of the hour to have online data with the M&RE Division in respect of the availability of the Power Load at the respective Grid/Receiving Stations,” BBIA said.

It is pertinent to mention here that due to delay the issue of power connections to the needy industrial units, huge financial losses are reported by the industries as the entire process of starting production is staggered, the association noted.

BBIA has sought immediate intervention of J&K Governor N.N. Vohra to take necessary steps for ensuring Ease of Doing Concept by PDD Department.