Srinagar, Dec 26 (KNN) The Kashmir Small Scale Industrial Association (KSSIA) has appealed to the government to form a high-level committee (HLC) to resolve issues faced by the industrial units in the Union Territory.

According to the statement, in a day-long meeting, presided over by KSSAI president, the members highlighted chronic issues which are disrupting the daily operations of the existing units.

During the meet, the KSSAI members pointed out that the lower product market demand had drastically affected and reduced the productivity of units to an all-time low. The members also expressed anguish that huge money on account of the supply of goods was held up with departments for months and years on one or the other pretext.

They also expressed apprehensions that the One Time Settlement Scheme launched by J&K Bank for NPAs between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 crore was unlikely to yield desired results unless and until it was backed and supported by a workable policy of the government for rehabilitation of sick industrial units.

“Whereas the scheme launched by the bank should have been non-discriminatory with its applicability on all NPAs in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh irrespective of the amount, the period for liquidation of settled amount has to be feasible and practicable” observed the members.

The issues were raised in presence of former presidents of Federation chamber of industries Kashmir (FCIK) who presently carry out their responsibilities in the Advisory Council.

Speaking on the occasion, KSSAI President endorsed the problems highlighted by members and urged the representatives of FCIK to take these up with appropriate authorities for their resolution.

He pointed out that KSSIA, as a constituent of FCIK, will extend its full support and cooperation to the organisation in its ensuing elections to install a vibrant team at the helm of the organisation.

While pinpointing the deficiencies in the industrial policy and confusion created by its guidelines and other circulars, the members also expressed their dissatisfaction over the pace and quality of the developmental works being executed by SICOP in the industrial estate, the statement said.

Former Presidents of FCIK Mehraj ud Din Qureshi, Syed Shakeel Qalander, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and Muhammad Ashraf Mir assured the meeting of putting in the best efforts from the platform of the apex organisation for mitigation of issues and problems of existing units.  (KNN Bureau)