SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has urged the UT government to adopt a policy of domestic preference by involving local MSMEs in the procurement of industrial goods and the execution of developmental projects required for various development initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a meeting held with Commissioner/Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh and other officers of the department on Tuesday, a delegation of FCIK led by Shahid Kamili regretted that the margin of preference afforded to local manufacturers and service providers was missing in most of the tenders floated for various projects under turn-key projects.
While underscoring the need for determining and adopting core procurement principles and delivering value to local industrial enterprises, FCIK sought support from the industries department as sponsors of local industry in pleading their case before the competent authorities.
“It is regretful to note that the government departments were importing those industrial goods from manufacturers of other states which hitherto were being supplied to them by the local manufacturers,” observed the members, adding that the developmental projects lose their sheen if they fail to invigorate the local economy.
FCIK also regretted that the government policy of reserving 358 identified items besides 25 perccent of other items for exclusive purchase from SMEs was openly being disregarded in J&K.
FCIK members also discussed at length the issue of revival and rehabilitation of sick industry besides modernization, expansion, and diversification of existing units, and in this regard, exchanged ideas with the Commissioner/Secretary. FCIK shall submit more documents and discuss the issue further to reach a possible solution.
FCIK also emphasized the need for the merger of three industrial policies into one single composite and comprehensive policy with equitable and non-discriminatory incentives and regulations.
The meeting was initiated by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce Kashmir to review and inform about the progress on the FCIK memorandum submitted to the incumbent chief secretary a few months back.
The Commissioner/Secretary informed the meeting about steps taken so far or being taken in the direction of accomplishing genuine aspirations and demands of the industry. He said that the government was keen to extend marketing support to the local industry and in this regard, the demands regarding the revival of SICOP and affording of price and purchase preference were seriously being considered. Vikramjit Singh also assured of regular interaction with industry representatives to mitigate chronic and day-to-day problems of the industry.
The meeting, among others, was participated in by Director I&C Kashmir Khalid Jehangir, Managing Director SICOP/SIDCO Inderjeet, MD Handlooms Atul Sharma. From the FCIK side, the meeting, besides Shahid Kamili, was participated in by former Presidents Shakeel Qalander, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, M D Qureshi, and Zahoor Bhat and Secretary-General Ovees Jami.
