Srinagar, June 8: The Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) today urged Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, to direct early implementation of modified industrial package.
 At a meeting with PM here today, FCIK delegation said the central government departments need be asked to issue formal orders for early implementation of modified industrial package.
 While hailing efforts of the government to bring in investment to Kashmir, the federation insisted that participation of locals (state subjects) should be made mandatory for outside investments in the state.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir, president FCIK Shakeel Qalandar said: “We suggested to the Prime Minister to provide Rs 1000 crore  onetime financial assistance from his Reconstruction Programme for creation and development of industrial estates and parks in J&K to overcome the problem on account of shortage of industrial plots.”
 Qalandar said in their meeting with the PM they had sought a special scheme for Vocational Training Centers and Handicraft Training Centers. “We urged the PM to provide funds for upgradation of ITIs in the state to address our skill deficiency problem,” he added. 
 While underlining the problems the MSMEs in Kashmir face on account of marketing and raw material, the federation implored the PM for providing a revolving fund for J&K Small Scale Industrial Development Corporation and J&K Handicrafts Development Corporation to address this problem.
 The federation also raised the issue of non-implementation of various guidelines and schemes by the banks operating in Kashmir, while stressing the need for increasing credit flow in J&K.
 They federation strongly pleaded for revival of J&K State Financial Corporation which has “played a significant role in the promotion of first generation enterprises in Kashmir.”
 “Not just its revival, we also pleaded that the corporation should be adequately compensated for the losses that cumulatively amount to Rs 1200 crore, it suffered during the turbulent conditions in the Valley,” said Qalandar. 
 The federation, which is Valley’s apex industrial chamber, has also demanded adequate funds for technology intervention in horticulture, handicrafts, food processing, mineral development, livestock, leather and other segments.
 “Helicopter services to the tourist destinations and special funds for development of modal cities with integrated facilities were the other demands on list by FCIK,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jun 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 8 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 9 Jun 2010 00:00:00 IST