Jammu: A high-profile delegation from the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), led by Mohammad Yaseen Khan, called on Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to extend congratulations on his recent appointment and address pressing concerns affecting the economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation comprised Mohammad Yaseen Khan, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Din Mohd Mattoo, Lateef Ahmad Sofi, Qazi Tauseef, Rafiq Ah Zargar, Ajaz Sofi President Traders Federation Handwara, Manoj Tandon President Traders Federation Kupwara, Mohd Ashraf Ganie President Traders Federation Sopore, Ghulam Hassan Parra President Traders Federation Ganderbal, Altaf Ahmad Kar President Traders Federation Pulwama and Riyaz Ahmad Mantoo Chairman Traders Federation Shopian.
In a statement issued here, KTMF acting President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said, “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Atal Dulloo Sahab on assuming the charge as Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. Surely his appointment as a son of the soil fills us with hope and anticipation for positive changes. We also apprised the Chief Secretary of many issues confronting traders and the business community of Kashmir region which includes J&K Bank. We asked for comprehensive financial solutions for small-time traders.”
“We also urged Atal Dullo Ji to implore J&K Bank to revisit the lending policies pertaining to horticulture, and education, relax lending guidelines to general traders falling under the MSME sector, review rating mechanisms and formulate a restructuring plan to provide additional funding to the borrowers,” the Federation said, adding that the delegation collectively expressed concern over the observed decline in lending activities by J&K Bank.
“We urged Chief Secretary Dulloo to implement urgent measures to encourage increased lending, considering the bank’s robust financial history. Moreover, we advocate for a soft OTS policy and durable solutions for small-time traders, the KTMF said, adding that the other issues include, road widening and rehabilitation of shopkeepers.
According to the statement, the delegation members highlighted the inadvertent impact of ongoing road widening projects on local shopkeepers. They called for a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to ensure affected individuals are adequately compensated and provided with viable alternatives, striking a balance between infrastructural development and the livelihoods of traders.
“Power amnesty and efficiency were also discussed thoroughly. The delegation collectively addressed power-related issues faced by commercial consumers, stressing the need for an amnesty program. Additionally, we emphasized the importance of enhancing the efficiency of electricity supply, calling for a focused strategy to streamline power distribution and address existing inefficiencies,” Khan said.
He added, “Parking Facilities & Fire Tender Accessibility in Downtown & other towns of Valley was also deliberated with Dullo Sahab. Concerns were raised about congestion in Downtown Srinagar & other towns of Kashmir region due to inadequate parking facilities. We urged Chief Secretary Dulloo to prioritize the establishment of well-planned parking spaces there. We also emphasized the need for accessible fire tenders in densely populated areas, highlighting the importance of swift action to ensure firefighting resources are readily available.”
KTMF extended a warm invitation for Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to visit Srinagar and neighbouring towns. We expressed our eagerness to facilitate the visit, providing Chief Secretary Dulloo with firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by local communities, Yasin said.
The meeting concluded by once again congratulating Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and expressing optimism about the positive impact of his leadership on the prosperity and well-being of Jammu and Kashmir, the KTMF said.