SRINAGAR: Today a delegation of two trade bodies of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Kashmir Economic Alliance met Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz Asad.
As per a statement issued here,
“A delegation of the members of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce led by Nasir Hamid Khan today held an interaction with the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz regarding the problems being faced by the automobile dealers and hospitality sector.”
“Nasir Hamid Khan thanked Mohammad Aijaz for the organized manner in which the vaccinations were being done by the administration in Srinagar city. He hoped that the vaccination exercise would be over at an earliest so the economic activities resume fully.”
“He reiterated his earlier request for the automotive sector to be declared as a semi-essential category in view of it being a minimal contact business which would not risk spread of the Covid infection. The vehicles plying on the road for essential services including those of Doctors were suffering damages for want of repairs and maintenance which could hamper critical activities. There was also the important issue of the livelihood of persons connected with this sector especially mechanics and tyre-shops workers. He requested the DDMA Chairman to consider categorization of this sector as semi-essential and facilitate it’s gradual opening.”
“Aawan Ahmad Narwaroo representing the Kashmir Automobile Chamber of Industries and Commerce stated that the Automobile Dealers were facing problems because of their inability to conduct the sales of their stocks which had resulted in the buildup of huge inventories of vehicles. He stated that although the activity was a minimal contact one because of all it’s activity being conducted online, there was no reason to disallow sales. The build up of unsold vehicles also resulted in huge capital blockade in view of the high value of the product and also caused avoidable losses to the revenues of the Government as taxation component on the automobiles was quite high.”
“Nasir Hamid Khan also raised the issue of allowance of home delivery for restaurant/café sector and also for favorable consideration of gradual opening up of the sector as the vaccination process was being done at a fast pace.
“The DC stated that these suggestions would be considered favorably and necessary directions in this regard issued shortly after taking stock of the Covid situation in Srinagar.”
A delegation of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) also called on District Commissioner, Srinagar today in the afternoon. The business delegation was headed by KEA Chairman Haji Mohammad Yaseen Khan. During the meeting various issues pertaining to socio-economic development, business revival and struggle of public transportation were thoroughly discussed.
A statement issued by the KEA stated,
“Khan who also heads Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) in the meeting lauded the efforts put in by District Administration headed by DC Srinagar in containing the deadly second wave of COVID-19. Khan said, there is no doubt that this time it took many precious lives here but timely measures averted a major calamity which had otherwise caused havoc in the whole country particularly in the metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai.”
Khan said, “there has been a drop in the positive cases and fatalities here and business community has equally shown cooperation and will continue to cooperate with the administration to contain the deadly virus. He assured the DC Srinagar on the behalf of business community that after proper consultation with health experts the adherence of SOP’s will be implemented when it comes to unlock down”.
While referring to the transport sector transporters and other people who made a living from the transport sector in Kashmir are living in misery. Several government schemes for businesses in general and Transport sector in particular have been left mid way after sanctioning various schemes Khan said, “following another lockdown to contain the spread of Coronavirus the for them. Various funds for the transport sector have lapsed and as a result beneficiaries have been deprived. Concrete measures should be taken to clear the bottlenecks for the final disbursement of allocation”.
While discussing business revival plan Khan observed, “that a substantial business revival programme is being formulated by various trade and allied organisations jointly which will be submitted to the District administration as well and the same is to be forwarded to the higher authorities for the perusal”.
“Giving a patient hearing, the DC Srinagar assured us that our concerns would be taken care of for the betterment of the economic sector in the Valley”, Khan said.
Khan was accompanied by various office bearers of Kashmir Economic Alliance which include Vice Chairman KEA Secretary KTMF Bashir Ah Kongposh, Chief Advisor KTMF Khursheed Ah Shah, Publicity Secretary KEA Qazi Tauseef, Chairman Kashmir Transporters Mohammad Iqbal Trumboo, Sr Vice President KTMF Manzoor Ah Bhat, General Welfare Association (KTWA) Shabir Ah Matt, General Secretary KTWA Sheikh Mohammad Yousuf & Vice Chairman KTWA Ab Qayoom Wani.
