Jammu: Several members took part in the Discussion on Demand for Grants of Industries and Commerce and allied Departments in Legislative Assembly today.

Initiating the discussion, Vikar Rasool Wani demanded for setting up Industrial Estate in every district including Banihal and also suggested for promotion of local industries especially Kashmiri handloom and handicrafts like paper mashie and shawl bafie etc.

Mubarak Gul pleaded for amendment in Industrial Policy presently in vogue and asked the government to make the policy people-friendly. He demanded for facilitating registration for setting up of Industrial Units and also asked the government for providing financial assistance to the Industrial Unit holders. He stressed for exploring of local marble and also called for strengthening various existing corporations including SICOP.

Rajeev Jasrotia said industry is the backbone of the economy and advocated for opening of more industrial units in the State. He said resources are available in the State for establishment of Industrial estates and asked the government for optimum use of the same. He appreciated the Minister for implementing of Industrial Policy in the State.

M Y Tarigami demanded for opening of more handicraft training centres especially in rural areas to train the rural youth particularly the girls to acquire training in various handmade trades including centuries old tradition of weaving by hand as one of the richest art to earn livelihood. He also asked the government to take steps to improve the business of varied handmade products including wood carving to showcase the Kashmiri art and handloom to improve the condition of the artisans and weavers. He also urged for setting up small scale industrial units in the rural areas to provide job avenues to rural youth. He advocated for constitution of Social Security Board on the pattern of Construction Workers Welfare board for the artisans for the State by way of deduction of cess. He stressed for ensuring environmental concerns.

Ali Mohammad Sagar also urged the government to strengthen and develop the industrialization in order to give employment to the youth of the state. He also urged the government make the process for availing loans, advances easier for the medium and high level industrial units besides asking the government to allow the people to extract sand and bolders from various streams so that they can earn their livelihood.

Abdul Rahim Rather appreciated the government for taking various steps for revival of Industry sector like Raj Bagh Silk Factory and Up-gradation of Silk Factory Bemina in the state. He asked the government to establish Industrial Estate in Kokernag constituency.

Mohammad Akbar Lone said setting up of industries will ensure more employment to avenues to the youth and urged the government to revive the industries that has been lyinf defunct owing to uncertain situation of past few decades. He also urged government to enhance the honorarium of artisans besides reviving the carpet industry and JK Cement industry in the state.

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