New Delhi, Aug 10 (KNN) The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jammu and Kashmir continue to face problems in obtaining a power connection, because of which the sector is suffering, Bari Brahamana Industries Association (BBIA) informed.

Talking to KNN, Suresh Mahajan, Sr. Vice President of Bari Brahamana Industries Association (BBIA) explained the situation.

He informed that for an MSME unit to obtain a connection of power loan more than 200 HP, it takes months to get the procedural clearances.

“The request files keep moving between the office of the Development Commissioner, Power & Chief Engineer, M&RE on one or the other pretext in spite of the fact that the files submitted by the unit holders on the basis of checklist issued by the Power Development Department for the sanction of Power Connections," said Mahajan.

He further said that the government issued an order earlier to hold monthly meeting between the Power Development Commissioner and the applicants to look into the pending cases. But there are no regular meetings, therefore the cases keep pending.

Majahan also lamented that the delays cause huge financial loss as the funding authority also begin to lose interest due to the continued delays.

The association has submitted multiple memorandums to both the power authority as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Government urging steps to address the concerns, but not much has been done in this regard he added.

At a time when the government is promoting its flagship project of Ease of Doing Business in the country, the state of Jammu and Kashmir is yet to experience the ease, Mahajan said. (KNN/ DA)