SRINAGAR: The upcoming elections to the Executive Committee of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), scheduled for September 22, have been deferred following concerns raised over the authenticity of the chamber’s electoral rolls. The decision comes after the District Magistrate Srinagar ordered the constitution of a special committee to scrutinize and verify the membership list before polls can be conducted.
In a formal communication issued on Saturday under number DCS/ADC(PS)/Misc/2025-26/6084-92, the District Magistrate’s office noted that several representations had been received questioning the health and purity of KCCI’s electoral rolls. Complaints alleged that discrepancies in the voter list could undermine the fairness of the elections.
The letter emphasized that “the health and purity of electoral rolls is significant and pivotal for holding the elections in a free, fair and transparent manner.” It further noted that no eligible member should be deprived of the right to vote and no ineligible member should be allowed to cast a ballot.
“In view of the above, it is advised that the polls may be deferred until all the issues and concerns related to the health and purity of electoral rolls and membership list are addressed,” the directive read.
To address these concerns, the administration has constituted a three-member committee tasked with submitting a detailed report on the validity of the electoral rolls. The committee is headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (I) Srinagar as Chairman, with the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Srinagar and the State Taxes Officer (Circle F) Srinagar as members. The chairman has also been authorized to co-opt additional members if required.
The KCCI Secretary General, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, confirmed the deferment through an urgent notification to members, making it clear that no voting will take place on September 22. He said the chamber will communicate further directions once clarity is received from the administration.
The deferment has created uncertainty within the Valley’s business circles. Many traders and industrialists had been preparing for the polls, viewing them as crucial for shaping the chamber’s policies amid a challenging economic environment. The elections to the KCCI Executive Committee are considered significant since the body plays a pivotal role in articulating the concerns of the business community and engaging with the government on trade, commerce, tourism, and industrial policies.
Business leaders expressed mixed reactions to the development. While some welcomed the administration’s move to ensure transparency, others voiced concern that prolonged delays could affect the chamber’s ability to take timely positions on urgent economic issues. “It is important that the voter list is accurate and beyond question, but the process should not drag on indefinitely. The business community needs a functional and elected leadership,” said a trader from Lal Chowk.
