SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has called for a significant overhaul of the Industries and Commerce (I&C) department, urging Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to ensure it fulfils its role as outlined in the vision, mission, and core values of the industrial growth and development program in Jammu and Kashmir.
FCIK President Shahid Kamili, leading the delegation, said, “We want the department to be facilitators, sponsors, promoters, and collaborators as envisioned.”
During a formal meeting at the civil secretariat in Srinagar, President Shahid Kamili, accompanied by advisory/administrative council members and presidents of 20 industrial estates, expressed concerns about the department’s recent regulatory emphasis rather than a supportive role. He pointed out, “Over the past many years, instead of handholding enterprises, various wings of the department have acted more as regulators.”
FCIK highlighted the critical issue of staff shortages at all levels within the department, emphasizing the need to fill vacant positions. President Kamili stressed, “General Manager DIC’s positions were assigned to some other officers as additional assignments, aggravating the situation.”
In the presentation on the status of the existing industry, FCIK demanded the appointment of officers with the vision and dynamism required for a promotional department. Kamili stated, “Officers posted here must have the vision and dynamism required for running a promotional department.”
FCIK’s concerns extended to the existing industrial policy, with the delegation proposing a single, comprehensive policy with simplified guidelines. Kamili asserted, “A lot of confusion has been created among officers and entrepreneurs owing to three different policies currently applicable.”
Regarding public procurement, FCIK drew attention to the Central Government’s Public Procurement Policy, seeking intervention for the due share of local enterprises. Kamili highlighted, “Local enterprises have been denied their due share for many years,” and urged the Chief Secretary to implement the guidelines.
Opposing the merger of SICOP and SIDCO into a single IDC, FCIK argued, “Both corporations have been incepted with different objectives crucial for the industry,” emphasizing the need to reinforce both entities for MSME support.
Submitting a comprehensive document outlining their demands, FCIK covered issues such as delayed payments, industry revival, and amnesty. President Kamili stated, “We have submitted a comprehensive document with our charter of demands.”
In response, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo assured that all their genuine grievances shall be addressed in a time-bound manner shortly.
