Srinagar, May 18: The government will consider amendments in the J&K Brick Kiln Act and rate revision of bricks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday assured a delegation of J&K Brick Manufacturers’ Association.
The CM assured the delegation that a two-member group of ministers will shortly be appointed to review the act and recommend amendments.
A spokesman of the association said its President Zahoor Ahmad Malik led the delegation comprising members from Jammu as well as Kashmir.
“The chief minister assured amendments in the Brick Kiln Act and fixation of rates for the bricks. He said necessary measures would be taken so that enough bricks remain available for all sorts of constructions,” the spokesman said, adding that the chief minister promised to appoint two cabinet rank ministers from Jammu and Kashmir provinces to look into the matter.
“The ministers would draft the recommendations in close consultation with the brick manufacturers to avoid differences between the civil administration and the kiln owners,” the spokesman quoted the chief minister as having told the delegation.
The delegation insisted that the J&K Brick Kiln Act was passed without taking anybody from Brick Kiln association in confidence. “The clauses of the Act are harsh and unacceptable. This makes it difficult to keep the prices stable.”
According to the statement the royalty has been hiked by 60 percent and there has been a five-fold increase in license renewal fee.
The association has also resented 50 percent increase in toll tax and the lump-sum VAT of Rs 1 lakh for every unit.
“We are suffering heavy losses, which will lead to closure of our units. This will result in loss of jobs for thousands of workers in Kashmir. The government should help avoid such an unpleasant situation.”
The labour costs, according to the statement, have doubled in past few years. “As such the price fixed by the Deputy Commissioners is not based on realistic estimation of production cost.”

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 IST