Srinagar, June 10: A delegation of senior members of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I) led by its former president Javed Ahmad Tenga held an interaction with Padurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir regarding the resumption of economic activities and other related issues.
According to a statement issued here Tenga highlighted the serious situation building up in the Handicrafts Sector wherein a goods inventory of around Rs 600 Crores was lying unsold. He requested Div Comm to support the suggestion for the Central and State Governments, PSU’s and Institutions to reserve a minor percentage of their routine purchases for Kashmir Brand of Handicraft products including walnut furniture, carpets and chain stitch rugs, shawls, paper machie, crewel furnishings and other products. He also urged that a monthly cash assistance of Rs 5,000/- per month be provided to the artisans and weavers besides waiving off of loans given given to artisans and weavers as “the whole impact on the Government would be in the vicinity of only Rs 200 Crores”
Nasir Hamid Khan, former Senior Vice President (KCC&I) requested that in view of a third wave of Covid predicted and future lockdowns not being ruled out, it was necessary that the category of permissible activities be expanded to include bakeries, departmental stores/supermarkets, automobile dealers/service centres, books and stationery shops.
Faiz Ahmad Bakshi former Secretary General KCC&I said that as the tourist arrivals were expected to increase, a foolproof testing and detection mechanism should be put in place both at the airport and road entry points. He also appealed to Government to consider automatic renewal/extension of registrations/licences of Hotels, Restaurants, Travel Agents/Tour Operators and Houseboats with the Department of Tourism, Municipal Corporation and other Departments which have lapsed for a period of one year i.e the 31st of March, 2022. He also stated that the development of the Kashmir Triassic Fossil Park at Khunmoh could also help in converting this site into an important tourist spot.
“Pole while responding to the suggestions sought details about the handicrafts stocks lying unsold and assured the delegation that the suggestion would be considered favourably. He said that the suggestions about expansion of the permissible activities in lockdown would also be considered,” the statement reads.