Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation KTMF [Regd] Delegation Meets Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Raises Critical Trade and Industry Issues
Srinagar, CNS 17th May: A high-level delegation from the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) [Regd], led by Chairman Mr. Abrar Khan ,Hilal Ahmed Mandoo and *Advisor Dr Touseef Ahmed *met with Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah today to discuss pressing challenges faced by the business community in Jammu & Kashmir.
Delegation Members KTMF
Advisor Sofi Mohiuddin Senior Vice President Mr. Basit Hussain, Chairman Industries Mr. Nadeem Altaf,Mr. Tariq Ahmed Zaz ,Mr. Mohammad Farooq Rangrez Senior Secretary ,Mr. Sajad Ahmed Bhat , Secretary, and other prominent members.
Key Issues Discussed
The delegation raised several critical concerns affecting traders, manufacturers, and artisans, including: Trade & Banking Challenges ,Difficulties in accessing credit and high-interest rates. – Delays in loan approvals and working capital shortages. Electricity Crisis
Frequent power outages disrupting industrial and commercial activities.
Demand for reliable electricity supply and wavering of dues of 2019 and Covid period and an Amnesty Scheme for commercial consumers in resonance with domestic Secheme and reasonable tariffs. President Hilal Mandoo talked about Municipal Tariff Hikes Unjustified rise in local body taxes and municipal fees burdening small businesses.
Plight of Artisans Scarcity of raw materials and lack of marketing support for handicrafts and local products. Dr Touseef Ahmed emphasied Need for government-backed artisan welfare schemes and Entrepreneurship in Education Proposal to introduce entrepreneurship training at school level to foster self-employment. While as Basit Hussain talked about Industry Concerns
Infrastructure bottlenecks, export hurdles, and GST-related complications. Sofi Mohiudddin talked about the potential of Fortified Bread for the ailing patients and emphasized to introduce the same in hospitals as well.
Chief Minister’s Response
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured *full support* in addressing these issues. He acknowledged the vital role of traders and manufacturers in J&K’s economy and promised:
Expedited resolution of banking and credit issues in coordination with financial institutions.
Review of power supply policies to ensure stable electricity for industries.
Reassessment of municipal tariffs to ease the burden on businesses.
Special initiatives for artisan welfare and marketing support. – Exploration of entrepreneurship programs in schools to encourage youth self-employment. KTMF’s Gratitude
KTMF Chairman Abrar Khan expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his proactive approach and assured the business community’s cooperation in fostering economic growth. He emphasized that policy interventions and swift implementation are crucial for revitalizing trade and industry in the region.
The delegation hopes that the government’s assurances will translate into concrete actions to alleviate the challenges faced by traders, manufacturers, and artisans.
