Jammu, Mar 15 (KNN) In order to discuss various issues pertaining to the trading community, Senior Vice President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Nasir Hamid Khan called Advisor to Governor, K. Skandan for measures to redolve the issues.

Khan while deliberating upon the precarious state of the economy suggested measures to protect industries of the state.

The Advisor was apprised about the fact that the economy of Kashmir had to bear the impact of demonetization and GST implementation when it was already reeling under the effects of the 2014 floods and 2016 turmoil.

The financial capacity of people had been reduced to such an extent that it was getting difficult to even meet taxation obligations, he said.

The simple transportation of apples to markets had turned into a nightmare due to the frequent closure of the Srinagar -Jammu Highway. Whereas our neighboring State of Himachal Pradesh had procured thousands of crores from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank for the development of the Horticulture Sector including Apples and Walnuts, we had not been able to properly develop this industry, he mentioned.

He said that there was a need for relaxation in the eligibility criteria’s for Kashmir as a majority of stakeholders were not qualifying the stringent guidelines.

The Advisor stated that proper linkage and marketing studies needed to be done for ensuring that the Kashmiri products are available at all major markets.

In this regard, he suggested that the KCC&I being stakeholders should jointly work with the Horticulture Department so that effective policies and permanent solutions are developed.

The KCCI leader projected before the Advisor the problems arising out of delays and difficult eligibility criteria’s for availing various schemes especially under MSME.

The Advisor assured that the Government would consider delinking these refunds from the mandatory DIPP inspections or ensuring timely refunds.

The delay in release of GST refunds to industries which had tied up substantial working capital was also discussed. (KNN/JM)