SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to expedite the new Industrial Policy, notify rules under the Ease of Doing Business Act, clear pending financial incentives and introduce a Special One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for stressed industrial units following the expansion of the Council of Ministers.
Welcoming the induction of new ministers and allocation of portfolios under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the industrial body called for coordinated departmental action to revive struggling enterprises, attract fresh investment, generate employment and strengthen local manufacturing.
FCIK sought an early finalisation of the Industrial Policy and notification of the Ease of Doing Business rules, urging Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to prioritise the measures. It said the policy should address the needs of existing enterprises, facilitate the revival of sick and stressed units, encourage fresh investment and improve local procurement and market access.
The federation said entrepreneurs needed policy clarity, certainty and effective implementation to proceed with investment and expansion.
Congratulating Ali Mohammad Sagar on assuming charge of Power Development and other departments, FCIK called for reliable electricity supply to industrial units, measures to address tariff concerns, relief on accumulated power arrears and faster rooftop solarisation. It said affordable and dependable power was essential for the competitiveness and survival of local manufacturing.
The industrial body also urged Finance Minister Javid Ahmad Dar to secure early financial concurrence for the proposed Industrial Policy, ensure adequate budgetary allocations and facilitate the timely release of incentives and other pending dues.
It called on the minister to pursue the early introduction of a Special OTS scheme through Jammu and Kashmir Bank, with coverage, concessions and eligibility conditions aligned with SBI’s OTS-20 scheme, without dilution or additional discretionary conditions.
FCIK said a transparent and non-discriminatory debt settlement framework could help viable industrial units resume production, unlock productive assets and restore employment. It stressed that industrial revival should be treated as an investment in economic recovery.
The federation also called for stronger links between agriculture and local manufacturing, suggesting that the Agriculture Production and Cooperatives portfolios held by Dar be used to promote food processing, cold chains, packaging, storage and value addition. It urged the next phase of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme to support enterprise creation around agricultural and horticultural produce.
On environmental regulation, FCIK urged Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Altaf Ahmad Wani to resolve pending forest-related and environmental matters affecting businesses, simplify consent procedures and establish clear and consistent regulatory requirements while maintaining environmental safeguards.
The federation called on Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo and Education Minister Shamim Firdous to direct eligible departmental procurement towards local manufacturers wherever feasible. It also sought stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry to align skills training with market demand, promote innovation and encourage young people to establish businesses.
FCIK said Planning and allied departments under Mir Saifullah could support coordinated development and enterprise creation. It also highlighted the potential of the portfolios held by Javed Ahmad Rana, including Transport, Food and Civil Supplies and Tribal Affairs, to improve logistics, market access and livelihood opportunities for underserved communities.
The federation urged the concerned ministers to hold an early joint meeting with industrial stakeholders and establish a time-bound programme for resolving pending issues, with clear departmental responsibilities and periodic reviews.
FCIK said the expanded Council of Ministers should translate its commitments into the revival of industrial units, functioning factories and employment opportunities, adding that faster approvals, timely payments and the removal of unnecessary procedural hurdles would help protect livelihoods dependent on industry.
Reaffirming its willingness to engage constructively with the government, the federation expressed hope that coordinated action under Omar Abdullah’s leadership would produce tangible improvements in investment, employment and economic development.
