Members of Kashmir Small Scale Industrial Associations (KSSIA) have demanded that “powers and authority of SICOP in respect of development, management and maintenance of industrial estates, be reverted to Directorate of Industries as was the position before 2016.”
At a meeting held under the chairmanship of KSSIA presidentSyed Fazal Illahi, the members observed that affording the “unbridled” and”unfettered” powers to SICOP under the new mechanism had brought about miseriesto and created inconvenience for the entrepreneurs in these estates.
“While under the older system the SICOP was subordinateto the directorate of Industries in developmental programmes, it (the SICOP)has now virtually been made owner of the industrial estates under the newsystem,” the members said.
The members said that ever since the corporation assumedcontrol of the estates, “the entrepreneurs are subjected to hefty andirrational charges on account of littlechanges in their constitution, lines of activities, approval for constructionin addition to rentals and premiums.”
The members expressed anguish over the condition of roads inthe estate that have not only made the very access to the units difficult butalso polluted the environment.
Speaking at the meeting, president KSSIA Syed Fazal Illahi endorsed the views of his members andregretted that the change in industrial policy had only brought miseries to theentrepreneurs.
He informed the meeting that a well thought outdevelopmental programme for industrial estate BAMK was discussed by theassociation with the Directorate of Industries and other sanctioningauthorities a few years back. “The works approved in principle includedconstruction of drinking water facilities, drainage system, footpaths, macadamof roads, weighing bridge, multi storeycommon facility building, dedicated receiving station etc.
“Some of the works had been got executed by the directoratethrough SICOP but under the former’s check and balance. However, after handingover of estates to the SICOP, the corporation has assumed unchecked powers.
“Although the same very works programme was forwarded toSICOP and even discussed with Managing Director several times, the progress on it is abysmal anddissatisfactory. Despite repeated assurances, the SICOP has even failed in providingsome basic facilities like drinking water in the estate,” he, according to thestatement, said.
Meanwhile, the KSSIA has urged the Governor, and his advisorhaving the charge of industries, and other authorities of industries departmentto take a review of the “changed industrial policy.”