Srinagar
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday objected to the statements given by a Jammu based business organization regarding the giving of one-year extension to the services of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.
A spokesperson of the KCC&I while reacting to the Press Conference given by Rakesh Gupta, President, CCIJ on the July, 5 2019 said that although the Press Conference had been convened to “expose superficial and false claims of the State Administration” but unfortunately had only resorted to mudslinging and tarnishing the good image of officers of the administration.
“In yesterdays Press Conference, Rakesh Gupta demanded the removal of Baseer Ahmad Khan, a local Kashmiri Officer whose extension in service was recommended by the State Government and approved by the Union Government,” said the KCCI spokesman. “What locus standi Gupta could possibly have with the posting of an officer in Kashmir region raises doubts about the Press Conference being convened for extraneous considerations,” he said.
“The Press Statement ignores the fact that the Government would have satisfied itself about the suitability of any officer before giving any important assignment,” he added.
The Press Statement also ignores the recent observations of the High Court in the matter in October, 2018 wherein it was observed that the officers had performed legitimate duties and have been indicted maliciously. Yet the malice still continues,” said the spokesman.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has always been supportive of the important role of local officers holding important positions like Deputy Commissioners, Chief Engineers and other Heads of Department who provide critical support in times of crisis.
The KCC&I also appreciates the role of other senior officers of the administration including the present Chief Secretary BVR Subramanyam who have been leading by example and tirelessly working towards improving the standard of living of the local population.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry has worked closely with Baseer Ahmad Khan, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and has found him to be an honest, proactive and pragmatic administrator who has gone out of his way to redress the grievances of the public.
“The extension in his services is well deserved and has been appreciated by the general public and the business community of Kashmir. The Governor has nominated Baseer Ahmad Khan to head the Joint Economic Monitoring Group for redressal of problems relating to trade, commerce and industry,” he said.
“The Group has been working towards addressing issues raised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry about not only Srinagar City but also other major districts and tourist destinations of Kashmir Valley,” said KCCI spokesman in a statement.
