Prominent Kashmir-based industrial associations on Saturday extended complete support to Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) in its resolve to either get problems of unit holders solved or “else shut shop”.
In a statement issued here, heads of industrial associations hailed FCIK for its recent statements that “majority of valley based industrial enterprises will opt for taking an exit route if the state government continued to fail in mitigating their genuine problems.”
President Chamber of Industry Khonmoh, Zubair Butt, said “non serious approach” of the government towards resolving the grave issues of the manufacturing sector is a major concern. “All the entrepreneurs will take exit route if government apathy continues like this,” Butt said.
Syed Fazal Illahi, president KSSIA Baghi Ali Mardan Khan conveyed similar disappointment on the government promises. “Industry in Kashmir required tax holiday without which its products would become unviable in the competitive market. This concession was being extended to the industry for long without considering it as any favour but a cost equaliser to them,” Illahi said.
President Chamber of Industry, IE Zakura Mohammad Rafiq Dar said ease of doing business rolled out by the state government last year “instead of easing out it has made the formalities more complex”.
Zeshan Majeed, president industrial association Rangreth said that because of losing faith and confidence on the policies and promises of the government, all entrepreneurs of his estate are forced to take an exit route in order to get rid of their day to day tensions.
Khalid Muzaffar, President Industrial Estate Ganderbal said that most of the units have already started retrenchment of part of their employees after their products remained unsold because of heavy taxes.