Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, SEPT 11:
A delegation from Laghu Udyog Bharati, led by its State President Parveen Pargal, recently met with the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, to discuss crucial issues affecting the industrial sector in the Union Territory. The delegation included senior members Rajesh Jain, State Vice President Advocate Ishant Gupta, and State General Secretary Aagam Jain. The primary focus of the meeting was the looming deadline for registration under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), scheduled for 30th September 2024, and the need for urgent actions to support the industrial community.
Parveen Pargal highlighted the serious repercussions that could arise if the incentives under the current package are not extended and enhanced. The delegation emphasized that the package introduced by the Government of India post the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A was intended to drive significant economic development in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the current allocation of Rs. 28,400 crores, spread over 16 years, has proven insufficient to achieve the desired results, particularly in terms of industrial growth and job creation.
The delegation presented several key reasons for extending and enhancing the package. Despite three years of policy implementation, many entrepreneurs, investors, and start-ups have not seen the expected benefits due to issues such as inadequate industrial estate development and delays in land possession for projects. Smaller investors are facing increasing anxiety as large industries claim a disproportionate share of the available incentives.
To rectify this, Laghu Udyog Bharati has proposed extending the deadline for registration under the scheme by three years, until 30th September 2027, and increasing the total incentive amount to Rs. 1 lakh crore. Additionally, they requested that at least 50% of the budget be reserved for MSMEs, with 25% allocated to the service sector and the remaining 25% for large industries.
Another critical issue raised during the meeting was the challenges surrounding private industrial land development. The delegation requested an amendment to the current guidelines, which limit private industrial park development to include only 10% government land. Given the land constraints in Jammu and Kashmir, the delegation suggested increasing this percentage to facilitate the establishment of private industrial parks. They also called for clarification on land use for private industrial purposes, urging that government land restrictions apply only to private industrial parks.
The delegation also drew attention to issues affecting existing industries, including delayed payments from government departments and SICOP, some pending since 2017. They requested the Lieutenant Governor’s intervention to expedite these payments. Additionally, they raised concerns regarding Budgetary Support for SGST refunds, requesting that refunds not be denied due to late filings, as many factors can contribute to such delays.
Laghu Udyog Bharati expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor’s office will take prompt action to address these concerns and support the growth of industries in Jammu and Kashmir.
