SRINAGAR: A delegation of The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) led by President Javid Ahmad Tenga met with Chief Secretary Atal Dullo and presented a memorandum highlighting key issues affecting various sectors of economic activity in Kashmir.
The memorandum, as per a statement issued by the KCC&I, covered several areas, including:
Handicrafts Sector
* Establishment of a Pre-export Pashmina Testing Lab at Srinagar to ensure quality control and certification for export consignments
* Reduction of GST rate on Handmade Kashmir Pashmina Shawls from 12% to 5%
* Introduction of a separate HSN Code for Pashmina and other Value-Added Shawls
Incentives under ROSCTL & RODTEP
* Removal of the cap on ROSCTL incentives to ensure fair benefits for all exporters
* Request for a review of the MEIS scheme to ensure its benefits are not limited to certain exporters
**Participation of Exporters in National/International Exhibitions/Fairs**
* Support for exporters’ participation in international exhibitions and fairs to promote Kashmir’s handicrafts sector
* Request for assistance in promoting the sector through targeted marketing initiatives
Economy and Industry
* Establishment of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Srinagar to facilitate export cargo movement
* Development of an International Expo Mart at Srinagar to promote Kashmir’s handicrafts and horticulture sectors
* Upgrading of CDI infrastructure for GI tagging and export certification
* Introduction of an OTS Scheme with a higher cap and longer tenure to settle NPA stressed accounts
Tourism Sector
* Renewal of Tourism Registration Licenses without the need for NOCs from other departments
* Development of new tourist destinations on a fast-track basis
* Permission for hotels to undertake renovation and reconstruction
* Establishment of STP’s/SWM Plants/toilets on tourist routes and areas
* Connectivity improvement in Aru and other hill stations
Other Issues
* Announcement of an OTS Scheme with a higher cap and longer tenure for commercial power consumers* Review of the Government’s SO No. 177 affecting school recognition and affiliation
* Non-involvement in political activity certification for school chairmen
The Chief Secretary assured the KCC&I team that necessary action would be taken on the suggestions presented in the memorandum. The President KCC&I thanked the Chief Secretary for his patience and attention.

KR Desk