Chamber of Commerce and Industries,Jammu,Jammu and Kashmir,India

Rohingyas Issue

That it was JCCI who alarmed and warned on the issues of Rohingyas settlement in the State of J&K in April last year, as such settlement of foreigners was not only a security threat but also in contravention of the provisions of article 370 of the constitution.
That now the matter of deportation of Rohingyas is subjudice and pending before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. That it is the constant perusal of the matter by JCCI, that the MHA has categorically stated that no more fresh entry of Rohingyas shall be allowed in the State of J&K without their permission.

Rassana Rape & Murder Case

That the Rassana Rape and Murder of an eight year child is a heinous crime irrespective of cast, creed and religion and who-so-ever is found guilty should be awarded highest punishment as provided under law, and the fact is that the investigation by the Crime Branch was being monitored by the Hon'ble High Court and the charge sheet has also been filed so it is a subjudice matter and it is entirely upto the judiciary to see the authenticity of the charge sheet and decide the same or handover to CBI for further investigation.

Minutes of the Meeting regarding Tribals.

That the minutes of the meeting regarding tribals have no constitutional validity and JCCI of the firms stand that law of the land shall prevail and no special treatment will be given to encroachers of land or those guilty of bovine smuggling.

Nowshera Issue.

That it was only the JCCI team that visited Nowshera after 34 days of continuous Bandh observed by one and all for their demand of district status. The JCCI still supports the demand of people of Nowshera for district status as it is the oldest division but as of now the agitation by the people there has been suspended after getting ADC and government has assured the JCCI that as an when the process of identifying new districts will be done Nowshera will be announced a district on priority basis.
The JCCI would like to advise the Bar President to reconsider the Jammu Bandh Call. Factually the code of conduct for elections should have been in force as the elections of Bar are due on April 19, 2018. The Chamber feels that such major decisions should definitely be taken together, but after mutual consultations and the JCCI is committed to work with the Bar Association on the issues based on logic only, but not on politically motivated issues.

Toll tax at Lakhanpur

That the toll tax being charged by the state government on goods since more than two decades on the pretext to safeguard the industry be abolished and the industry be incentivised through alternate mechanism as the state revenue has increased multi fold after the implementation of GST as a part of one nation one tax, otherwise the business community will have no option but to charge this component of toll tax from the end consumer for which the state government shall be responsible.

AIIMS

That the Chamber expresses dissatisfaction over the slow pace of acquiring land for AIIMS at Vijaypur sanctioned almost two years back and questions as to why negotiations are being done with few people illegally occupying some portion of sanctioned land and not taking effective steps to evict these illegal occupants.

Accountability

The Chamber demands high level enquiry into shelving of artificial lake project on River Tawi on which a some of Rs. 76 crores approximately had already being spent and funded by the Union government.

Master Plan

The Chamber feels totally dissatisfied the way the Master Plan for Jammu has been devised. The Chamber feels that it is just a copy paste work being done by the JDA and the new Master Plan has not taken into consideration the vast commercial expansion that took place over the years and the Chamber demands that the Master Plan be relooked and modifications be done as per ground realities and requirements.

Power Crises

The Chamber questions the state power minister that even after spending thousands of crores on rebuilding and redesigning the power infrastructure in the state why the unscheduled power cuts have not yet been stopped and the T&D losses reduced. Chamber demands high level enquiry by the Union Power Minister to enquire into the whole gamut.

Incentives to Industry

The Chamber questions the intensions of the Industry Minister as to why the notification for continuing the incentives to the Industry has not been issued even after the implementation of GST in the state on July , 8 the Chamber President also expresses dissatisfaction that the state industry minister could neither project not present the plight of the industry and the working conditions in our state to get incentives on the pattern of proposed incentive package to the North Eastern State as J&K state can in no way be equated with Punjab or Himachal Pardesh.

State Holiday on the Birth Anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh

The Chamber President demands that the state should announce 23rd September as a state holiday which is the birth anniversary of Late Sh. Maharaja Hari Singh JI as a mark of respect to the great ruler who not only protected the state on every aspect but also to thank his soul for the vision he had to join the great country i.e India.

Rohingyas

That as already represented to the Union Home Minister the Chamber demands immediate deportation of Rohingyas from Jammu to outside the state as the Chamber feels that neither these illegal intruders come under the definition of Refugees nor the UNHRC cards have any validity in the state of J&K. The Chamber further warns any voices in our state who speak on behalf of Rohingyas to desist from making any statement which are contrary to the basic constitution of J&K.
The other Office bearers present in the Press Conference include Sh. Rajeev Gupta, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Manish Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Gaurav Gupta, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

Law and Order

a) That on your previous visit to Jammu we had requested for removal of PI systems from all religious places which we feel are major source of trouble and may lead to communal provocations but we regret to say that no action has been taken till date.
b) That we had also requested that no illogical statements should be issued by anyone from the Union Government without knowing the ground realities in this sensitive state which lead to Jammu V/s Kashmir and ultimately Kashmir V/s India but still the issuing of statements for mere political gains are being made.
c) That we have been agitating since long for deporting Rohingyas from Jammu but we see only in Newspapers that Union Government is serious about deporting them but no action on ground has been seen which we feel shall be big security threat in the coming days. It is pertinent to note that these Rohingyas cannot be termed as "Refugees" as neither they are registered with the security agencies nor concentrated at single place in Jammu but spread all across to escape the eyes of security agencies. We would like to mention that UNHRC cards have no validity as per the constitution of our state, hence even if some of them have these cards, they are irrelevant.
LOC Trade and Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry
a) That after the recent NIA raids and their findings about Hawala money we strongly suggest that no government official should be posted for more than six months at the trade/ transit points at Chakandabagh and Salamabad so that no one can enter into any sort of nexus which ultimately leads to maligning of this important confidence building measure between India and Pakistan. The Chamber believes that our nation's security is more important than any other issue, hence proper and foolproof mechanism needs to be put in place so that neither hawala nor drugs or arms cross these trade/ transit point.
b) That we strongly request that a trade authority at Chakandabad and Salamabad be approved who shall be overall incharge of different departments and security agencies at both the points in Jammu and Kashmir as a part of "Ease to do business".
c) That we strongly recommend proper audit of verification of traders carrying on trade at LOC points.
d) That we also suggest and recommend a minimum security deposit of Rs. 5 lacs from each firm as a pre-requisite for registration so that these traders are under the radar of Income Tax department.

Working of Ministers

a) That a common man is feeling cheated who has voted sincerely in the assembly elections because of their blind faith in our Hon'ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi as there is neither any accountability nor any responsibility fixed for the ministers in our state by the central leadership.
b) That we request a team of independent observers be sent by the Union government who should visit the main areas of the state and interact with a common man independently to know the working and ground realities as on date even after three years of coalition government in the state.

Development

a) That we urge the Union Ministry to ask the state government the status of completion of prestigious tourism related sanctioned projects and the deadline for their completion.
b) That we request the Union government to question the state government about shelving of artificial lake on River Tawi, the DPR of which and funding was sanctioned by the Union Ministry as we feel this project would be a cynosure for the tourists.
c) That we suggest the Union Government to allocate special advertisement budget to promote religious tourism circuits especially Mata Vaishno Devi, Shahdra Sharief , Nangali Sahaib and Budha Amarnath in Jammu province.
d) That we have been made to understand that the Union Government has agreed and sanctioned Chamber’s demand of holding of Parade by Border Security force on the pattern of Wagha at Suchetgarh on our side of border but we do not see any activity on ground towards creating infrastructure for the same.
e) That thousands of crores has been spent on development of infrastructure through IRCON in power sector funded by Union government but still the power crises in Jammu remains the same making the life of not only the business people miserable but of a common man too.

Incentives to Industries

a) That we strongly urge the Union Government not to compare the state of J&K with Himachal or Uttrakhand but to treat our state at par with the Industrial package proposed for the north eastern states considering the militancy, remote location and bordering with China and Pakistan.

GST

a) That we demand that no penalties in any form for discrepancies whatsoever in filling of GST returns be imposed till the closing of current financial year.
b) That we feel the reverse charge mechanism has created utter confusion and needs to be simplified.
c) That the total accounting procedure has been changed and we strongly believe that neither there are enough Chartered Accountants not Accountants to handle the load of huge assesses, hence we request that the GST returns should be on quarterly basis and the payment on monthly basis.
d) That we also request the Union government to take the stock of Internet facilities in the state of J&K, especially in Rural areas and also a communication from the Union government laying down guidelines for snapping of Internet services which now has become a common feature.

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 16th September 2016

A meeting of the Office bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry was held today at Chamber House. The meeting was chaired by Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President and attended by Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta Treasurer.
The officer bearers present in the meeting condemned the incident of torching of business establishments of a particular community at Rajouri on 14th September 2016 especially M/s Kusum Pen Store owned by Sh. Ashwani Sharma, M/s Rakesh Wool Centre and M/s Prince Ways and also some other business establishments which were ransacked and damaged by miscreants and anti-national elements over there.
The meeting also demanded that the goons / anti-national elements involved in this incident be booked and put behind the bars immediately and the people whose shops/ property has been gutted/ damaged in the incident be provided adequate compensation without any further delay.
The Chamber also requests the administration to take some strong steps to restore normalcy in the Rajouri district.
Sh. Arun Gupta Secretary General talked to Hon'ble Dy. Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh and apprised him about the decision of the business community of Rajouri not to open their business establishments unless and until the compensation is provided to the effected shopkeepers and the goons / anti-national elements involved in the incident are not booked/arrested and put behind the bars.
Dr. Nirmal Singh assured that he will personally look into the matter and adequate compensation will be given to the effected shopkeepers and we will see that the goons who have done this coward act are put behind the bars.

(Arun Gupta)
Secretary General

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 5th September 2016

The Delegation of CCI under the Leadership of Sh. Rakesh Gupta President called on the All Party Delegation led by Sh. Raj Nath Singh, Hon'ble Home Minister of India today at Jammu and Submitted the Following Memorandum :
MEMORANDUM SUBMITTED TO THE ALL PARTY DELEGATION LED BY SH RAJNATH SINGH JI, HON'BLE HOME MINISTER OF INDIA

First of all a big thanks to the Government of India for sending an All Party Delegation to our state . We would like to mention the below for your kind consideration and necessary early action:
Role of Political Parties as Opposition.
That, Jammu & Kashmir is a sensitive state and what all is happening today has a history of non deliverance by various political parties since decades.
That, with folded hands we request one and all not to utter any such words or issue statements that add fuel to fire which most people have been doing till now.
That, we question the majority of political parties in opposition in India as to why they did not condole and condemn the attacks on our security forces and the deaths of soldiers.
That, there is no space for playing politics in J&K State and we request all the political parties to help restore normalcy in our state and play a positive role.
That, Politics has degraded and stooped so low that majority of politicians have tried to worsen the situation rather then helping to contain them moreso even the State President and Gen Secy of the BJP Sat Sharma and Narinder Singh on Aug 19 at a Press Meet tried to mis lead the people of Jammu terming that Chamber of Commerce Jammu is working against the interests of the State.
That, we condemn the statement of Dr. Karan Singh demanding the imposition of Governor rule in the state and we question him as to what good has he done for the people of the state which was most loved and taken care of well by his Father and forefathers.

CORRUPTION
That, Article 370 has been used as a weapon to harras the state subjects in J&K state rather that protect and safeguard their interests.
That, hardly any public servant or a politican has been prosecuted or punished in the history of investigations done by the state Vigilance departments and a huge amount of money of the Indian State has been swindled. We request the GOI to issue necessary orders to allow any Indian Investigating Agencies to probe the matters of financial irregularities as most of the funds being used in our state are part of assistance being provided by the GOI.

LAW ENFORCEMENT
That, the law enforcing agencies have failed to implement the laws.
That, how can the Mosques in the state of J&K be allowed to use the PA systems to make announcements to wage war against the Indian State and attack the security forces.
That, how have the law enforcing agencies allowed the settlement of lacs of Bangladesh and other country nationals in our state.

NON WORKING OF SECRETRAIT
That, during the turmoil just Kashmir division all the works in the Secretrait have come to a stand still. We are not in favour of Trifurcation but if the administration cant control the situations and deliver whats choice will the Jammu people be left with and why should people of Ladakh and Jammu suffer who have always stood by the Nation.
That, we demand a permanent camp office of the secretrait in Jammu as even the people from Kashmir feel safe to come to Jammu.

SCARACITY OF SECURITY FORCES
That, The strength of the security forces is not enough to contain the situations when mobs go out of control. We request the GOI to deploy additional Central forces on permanent basis in J&K State.
That, thousand of security personals have been posted as PSO’s with politicians who do not face any security threat hence the system need to be screened.

ALL PARTY DELEGATIONS
That, joint delegations in the past have visited on many occasions of unrest but their recommendations were never implemented which have resulted in the turmoil again.
That, the ruling coilation BJP and the PDP should implement their Agenda of Alliance so that the aspirations of the 3 regions of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh are fulfilled.
That, the Political opposition parties should stop making comments terming the present Alliance of the rulling parties in the state as unholy. We question them if they had not made alliance then the major mandate of one of the regions would have been defeated.
We would like to bring to your kind notice that due to the Disturbance in Kashmir region the Trade & Industrial Sector of Jammu has suffered immense losses. It is very sorry to say that Administration was not able to handle the situation properly resulting in prolonged Hartals and Curfew in Kashmir region.
Due to this situation, the Manufacturing Industry, Tourism Industry, Transport Industry and above all the Trade of Jammu region became one of the worst suffering huge losses that even the Govt. cannot compensate it in full. Practically speaking the Trade & Industry of Jammu suffered immensely for last 2 Months and further after normalcy it will take another 2-3 Months time more to revive.

. During the months of turmoil in Kashmir,all the banks and financial institutions in the valley were closed and there was no outstanding payments flow from Kashmir due to which the industries suffered huge production & Working Capital and cash flow losses.
. Post Offices & Courier services remained suspended during this period.
. Perishable materials etc. got damaged due to which our traders suffered huge losses.
. Loss of Market, Government commitments has severely affected the viability & Credit Rating.
. Inventories of trade and industry were blocked as this was the peak season for Srinagar & Leh due to which cash credit limits were exhausted resulting into higher bank charges and interest.

During this hour of crisis we expect that our Central and State Governments should come forward to the rescue of the Trade & Industry and save us before we are totally crippled. The Production and Cash losses are huge.
Suggestions for package of financial assistance to compensate losses of Trade & Industrial Sector of Jammu Division during Kashmir agitation.

. Waiver of Bank interest on Term Loans, Commercial Vehiles Loans & Cash Credit facilities for the months of July – September 2016.
. Bank installments of the Term Loan for the financial quarter July-September should be rescheduled for all.
. No Account should be declared NPA during this period till the economy is revived ,since there is a RBI norm of 90 days for any repayments and after that bank declares the account NPA, this should be relaxed.
. Soft Loans should be provided to all if needed, since Maximum Trade & Industry is facing Financial Crunch due to Complete Stoppage of Financial Transitions across the State.
. Salary & wages which have been paid in cash by the during this period should be reimbursed.
. Power bills for the period be exempted/adjusted.

Few Points to be Taken By Govt. Of India
. No Pressure of IDS Scheme be imposed upon people of Just Jammu, just to achieve the fixed targets given by Central Govt.
. The annual targets given to states for Income Tax collections should be proportionate among three regions as per collections and contribution made by each region and no such burden for achieving the targets be imposed on Jammu region at any cost. The Govt can get the data as how much Jammu region contributes to the nation.
. Incentives already available from Central & State Govts. To be continued in GST Regime.
. Income Tax Exemption be extended to all working units.
. Freight Subsidy for sale of finished goods upto Delhi should be allowed for Industrial Units as well as Trade Sector.
. Mother Industry such as Rail Coach factory may be sanctioned for Jammu Region to encourage ancillarization of major units and create new jobs.
. Opening of Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Jammu with rail connectivity should be sanctioned immediately.
. Up gradation of Existing Jammu Airport to International Status.
. Starting of Shatabdi Express up to Delhi and Chandigarh and Metro/ Monorail in Jammu.
. Freight Subsidy from ICD to Port for Import/Export of commodities.
. Exemption of Import Duty on Raw Materials purchased by SMEs.
. Special Additional Duty draw back on Exports by J&K Industrial units.
. Waiver of Export Obligation under EPCG scheme for Existing/New IPs.
. Barter System of LOC Trade be immediately replaced by Banking system to avoid illegal Transactions/unhealthy competition and review of List of Items depending on demand & supply with EC codes.
. Advance Income Tax deposit date for 2nd installment be extended by 3 months in the state.
. The date for Filing of audited Income Tax returns on September 30 be extended upto March 2017.
. All central schemes should be equally divided for the State of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh proportionately.
. Compensations already agreed upon by the then State Govt during 2008 turmoil, for the trade and Industry should be implemented immediately as Jammu region cannot suffer more burden.
. New capital infrastructure development projects should be immediately sanctioned for Jammu to generate employment in Pvt Sector.
. Monetary Assistance under UDAAN should be increased as the assistance given to the students are not sufficient to cope up with.

(Rakesh Gupta)
President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 27th August 2016

A function was organized today at Chamber House to facilitate Janab Farooq Khan Sahib, IPS. on being appointed as Administrator of Lakshdeep Islands. Sh Kavinder Gupta ji ,hon'bleSpeaker J&K Legislative Assembly was also present on this occasion . The Chamber feels that as a part of social corporate responsibility, efforts should always be made to recognize the achievements of the Sons of the Soil whenever they bring laurels to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The President CCI Sh Rakesh Gupta speaking on the occasion highlighted the glorious service record of Janab Farooq Khan Sahib as a top cop of Jammu and Kashmir Police and thanked him on behalf of Chamber of Commerce and Industry for his audacity and intellect in dealing with the militancy as the Head of the special Operation group in the early nineties. The President also said that it was due to the joint efforts of Khan Sahib and his team as SOG that militancy was almost wiped out from the state.

peaking on the occasion Jenab Farooq Khan Sahib said that he will act as ambassador of J&K State and bridge the gaps between the north and south. He also said that he shall promote cultural exchange and tourism exchange. Many eminent people from the civil society and also retired Senior Police Officials attended the meeting.The prominent among them were Sh. Ashok Bhan IPS, Sh. Prem Gupta IG Retd IPS, Sh.KB Jandial Retd IAS, Sh Quoom Manhas IPS Retd .I.G, Sh Ashok Gupta I.P.S Retd IG, Sh. Ravinder Kotwal IG Retd IPS , Sh Ramesh Koul DIG Retd IPS, , Sh.Mubassar Latiffi SSP Crime Branch ,Sh. Rajinder Gupta SSP Railways and Sh.Maroof Manhas Dy. Director Vigilance and Sh. Abdul Rouf Lone SP Retd. The office bearers of the CCI namely Sham Lal Langar Senior Vice President , Deepak Aggarwal Vice President, Rahul Mahajan Secretary and Ashu Gupta treasurer in addition to large number of prominent members of CCI were also present on the occasion.

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 24th August 2016

Sh. Rakesh Gupta President Chamber of Commerce & Industry in a communication apprised Dr. Haseeb A Drabu, hon'bleFinance Minister J&K State that because of the prevailing law and order situation on ground in Kashmir Valley, the business people throughout the state have been directly or indirectly effected and still there is no sigh of relief and the members of the business community are not in a position to deposit the VAT amount or file VAT returns.

In view of the above facts the hon'bleFinance Minister was requested to extend the last date for filing of VAT returns as well as the last date to deposit the VAT tax for the first quarter 2016-2017 atleast by two months.

(Rakesh Gupta)
President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 19th August 2016

In continuation to the Bandh Call given today it is hereby informed that the President Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta and his team have received communications from few but prominent members of influence from the Kashmir Civil Society to give atleast a weeks time to convince the stakeholders in Kashmir other than the government for intra region dialogue. In view of this assurance the Chamber feels that reasonable time be given to the nationalists forces in Kashmir who are trying to urge and impress upon the masses there for an early intra region dialogue. Hence, the call for Jammu bandh on Saturday 20th August 2016 is here by deferred till further information, but at the same time our following demands and the questions to the ruling coalition, BJP in particular as well as the law enforcing agencies be answered and implemented without any further delay. The Chamber expressed serious concern that the law of the land was being made a mockery off everyday where in Social Media, Print and Electronic Media was being misused to misguide and provoke religious sentiments against the Indian State. The Chamber also questions that how the Religious places were being permitted to make announcements other than religious activity and rather being used to make announcements to wage war against the Indian State. The Chamber questions the Law Enforcing agencies in the state for the silence and demands immediate action against the culprits failing with the Chamber shall have no option but to file a PIL in the hon'bleCourt for justice. The Chamber also expresses and questions the government for no action against their employees for their unauthorized absence from duties. The Chamber is seriously concerned that how can the employess be paid salaries without work in a state where the salary bill is more than 3000 crores per month and it’s a common man’s money that is being misused. The Chamber also demands that in wake of the present law and order situation the Darbar Move should be moved back to Jammu as its 40 days that no work is being done and neither the public in general can reach the secretariat . The Chamber also appeals to the hon'bleChief Minister to direct all the Ministers to have their camp offices in jammu till the decision to move darbar to Jammu is done so that the common man could approach and meet them for their grievances. The Chamber expresses their solidarity with the nationalist forces and the law enforcing forces and thank them for their sacrifices to protect the Indian state. The Chamber also strongly condemns the beating of Drivers and attack on transport services carrying essentials services, pilgrims and tourists in the Kashmir Valley.

The Chamber also questions the State and the Union Government that who shall compensate the business losses of the traders, Industrialists, Transporters and the tourism sector in Jammu province. The Chamber urges to the Finance Minister to extend the date for filing of VAT Returns and Vat Taxes for the first quarter for atleast 3 more months. The Chamber shall also call upon the hon'bleUnion Finance Minister Sh. Arun Jaitley on Aug 21 and convey to him the ground situation in our state where the economy has been shattered and business and industry are on the verge of collapse hence there should be no pressure tactics on the business houses for the IDS as we are already paying taxes honestly. The Chamber also refutes the claims made by the concerned authorities that the Amarnath Yatra was concluded incident free. The Chamber expresses its deep anguish that the Amarnath Yatra was targeted on religious basis and also the blast at poonch to target the Budha Amarnath Yatra. The Office bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry present in the urgent meeting included Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

(Arun Gupta)

Secretary General

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 15th August 2016

Chamber of Commerce & Industry celebrated 70th Independence day with Traditional gaiety. Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President Chamber of Commerce & Industry, unfurled the National Flag which was followed by singing of National Anthem. Addressing the members Sh. Rakesh Gupta highlighting the achievements made by the country after Independence. Sweets were distributed among the members on the occasion He also asked the members to be united and work with dedication, transparency and sincerity to serve the nation and the society.

Prominent among others present on the occasion include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President CCI, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Vice President CCI, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General CCI, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary CCI, Sh Ashu Gupta, Treasurer CCI, Sh. Rajendra Motial, former Secretary General, Sh. Shiv Partap Gupta, Sh. Vinod Malhotra, Sh. Raj Kumar Gupta, Vinod Sachdeva, Sh. Ram Langer, Sh. H.L. ABrol, Sh. Sanjay. Sareen, Sh. Sudershan Kohli, Sh. Raghubir Gupta, Sh. Davinder Batra, Sh. Jagdish Langer , Sh. Ashwani Khullar, Sh. Vishwamitter, Sh. Krishnan Kutty, Sh. Rajesh Gupta, President Warehouse, Sh. Kirti Gupta, Sh. Jaspal Singh, Sh. Kuldeep Wahi, Sh. Subash Gupta, Sh. Rajesh Gupta and others.

(Arun Gupta)

Secretary General

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry team led by their President Sh.Rakesh Gupta called on the Finance Minister Sh. Haseeb Darabu in Srinagar to discuss issues relating to Vat and GST.

The Chamber President raised the issues pertaining to Online Payment of VAT / GST , Online filing of VAT Returns on turnover of 20 Lacs and above and the Extension of date for making the VAT/GST Payments and filing of returns for the first quarter of 2016. It was conveyed to the Finance Minister that because of the present turmoil in the valley the business people both in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh will not be in a position to deposit the VAT / GST taxes on due date i.e. July 31.

The Finance Minister agreed that the demands put forth were genuine and he assured that the necessary SRO’s will be issued by tomorrow and all the three demands made shall be addressed.

The Chamber President was accompanied by Sh. Sham Lal Langer Sr.Vice President, Sh. Rahul Gupta Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta Treasurer.

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 20th July 2016

An urgent meeting was convened at Chamber house to review the quantum of business losses so far because of the turmoil in Kashmir Valley for the last so many days.

The snapping of Internet services in Jammu province was widely condemned by one and all. The Chamber President Sh. Rakesh Gupta urges the administration to immediately restore Internet services in Jammu province which has resulted in huge business losses. Moreover it was said that Jammu province was fully cooperating with the administration and the government and so far is totally peaceful. Hence the Internet services should be restored without any further delay otherwise Chamber shall be forced to take appropriate action.

An urgent communication through fax was sent to the Hon’ble Finance minister Dr. Haseeb A Drabu requesting extension in the date for filing of VAT returns and also extension in the date for depositing of VAT tax atleast by three months as all the money has been blocked due to the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley. It was also conveyed that in this situation the business houses in the state of J&K shall not be in a position either to file VAT returns or deposit VAT tax.

The meeting was attended by office bearers of CCI namely Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary, Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer and representatives of prominent trade associations.

(Arun Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 16th July 2016

An urgent press conference was convened today at the Chamber House to express the views of the Chamber on the ongoing unwanted turmoil in the Kashmir valley and to appeal to the people of the Kashmir valley for restoring peace in the interest progress development and brotherhood in the state.

The President Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta expressed grief on the loss of human lives. However he also stressed & said that be it known to all that it’s the state of “JAMMU & KASHMIR” which comprises of three main regions i.e. JAMMU , KASHMIR & LADKAH and not just KASHMIR. The President questioned the stand of the separatists in Kashmir without any intra region dialogue for making a consensus on what the people of the three regions want. The Chamber President made it clear that we do not agree with the war path adopted by the people at large in Kashmir and condemned the Bandh call given by the separatist which led to deaths and injuries of humans both of civilians and the security forces. He further said that the separatists should talk to the people of Jammu and Ladakh first who too are primary stakeholders to the region and then raise demands if any. The President added that we are ready for talks if invited in the interest of peace and development of the state but made it clear that the separatist will have to shun the path of violence first.

The Jammu Chamber made it clear that it has always stood for brotherhood among three regions of the state and maintained communal harmony at every cost which is the face of the state and shall not allow anyone to deface it. The Chamber warned both the state and the government of India not to be soft on the people who provoke or indulge in violence . The Chamber also warns the GOI that no ALL PARTY DELEGATION will be welcomed as first it’s the internal matter between the three regions of the state and still there is no agreement on any sort of demand . In the absence of any consensus no one has the right to approach GOI or the United Nations and also no one has the right to interfere. The President gave his own family example and said that YES there is a ISSUE as some of my family members were killed in the town of Mirpur in POK in 1947 and rest forced to leave their home so it’s a larger issue for us and not the separatists.

The Chamber President questioned the miscreants Why you attacked and targeted the transport vehicles who either carry essential supplies or ferry pilgrims , why you beat the pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra and force them to shout Anti India slogans , Why you burned Langars. The Chambers respects all religions but how dare you try to stop the Amarnath Yatra. The President further said we respect our Muslim brothers and know the importance of Haj but they should also know what Amarnath Yatra means to Hindus. The Chamber condemns the soft attitude of the security forces towards the hooligans who beat up the drivers , broke vehicles and beat pilgrims. The chamber appeals to the state government to empower the security forces to not to spare anyone who comes in the way of Amarnath Yatra.

The Chamber further appeals to the people of Kashmir to have faith in their elected representatives whom they voted to power recently after turning out in large numbers to vote in a democratic way. The Chamber reposes full faith in the Hon’ble CM Madam Mehooba Mufti and is confident that she alongwith her team will steer the state out of this crisis. The Chamber cautions and advises the anti national forces to learn from history that LTTE in Sri Lanka thought at one time it would rule but now its just a name in the pages of history.

The Chamber has minutely dissected the ongoing turmoil and can foresee the sparks of civil war in Kashmir and the malafide intentions of the hooligans. The Chamber questions the burning of apple orchard and private property of Kashmiri Muslim entrepreneur during this ongoing turmoil who is a well wisher of people in village Bomdoora in Anantnag .

The Jammu Chamber President has designed a permanent solution formula to not only the issue of J&K if any but also for peace between India and Pakistan which shall be suggested to both the governments of India and Pakistan at an appropriate time soon.

Chamber strongly feels that the true ground reality and dynamics of all the three regions in the state have never been communicated and reflected to the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

We therefore are seeking an urgent meeting with the Hon’ble Prime Minister to apprise him of the current situation and communicate him the sentiments, voices and positions of all the three regions.

The Office bearers present in the Press Conference include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

(Arun Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 19th July 2016

Prominent citizens of Jammu Appeal the Civil Society of Kashmir to help in restoration of Peace in the Valley

As decided in the Prominent Citizens meeting held on 14th July 2016 a meeting was held in the Chamber House Rail Head Complex Jammu today to discuss the situation arising out of ongoing turmoil in the Kashmir Valley. Speakers condemn the meddling of Pakistan in Kashmir and warned it of its consequences. The unrest in Kashmir has to be addressed internally where no outside interference is warranted.

The speakers in the meeting impressed upon the central and the state government to take all necessary measures to restore peace and calm in Kashmir Valley. Serious concern was expressed on the loss of human lives for the last over ten days and appealed the state and central government to take effective measures so as to restore peace and tranquility in Kashmir Valley. The speakers noted with concern that there has been some incidents of stone pelting targeting transport vehicles from outside valley which should be stopped immediately. The Speakers appeal all the stake holders in Kashmir Valley to stop such incidents and help in the smooth and peaceful Amarnath Yatra. Uninterrupted and peaceful Amarnath Yatra would send positive signals from the Kashmir civil society throughout the country.

The speakers declared their resolve to maintain communal harmony in the state at all costs and any attempt to disturb it shall be opposed with full force.

The following attended the meeting – Sh. Abdul Majid, Sh. Krishan Lal Gupta, Maj. Gen. Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, Sh. Gulchain Singh Charak, Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President CCI, Sh. Pavitar Singh, Sh. Mohd. Ayyub, Sh. G.A. Khajuria, Sh. Rajesh Gupta, Sh. Rajendra Motial, Sh. Sham Lal Langer Sr. Vice President CCI, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General CCI, Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer CCI, Sh. H.A Siddiqui, Sh. S.Peter, Sh. Surinder Mahajan, Pt. Rajesh Kesri, Sh. Neeraj Anand, SH. Brig. M. S. Jamwal, Col. Karan Singh, Sh. Yash Pal Gupta.

(Rakesh Gupta)

Secretary General

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 24th June2016

A joint delegation of The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) and Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry comprising of President, KCC&I, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, President, JCC&I Mr. Rakesh Gupta and Secretary General, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, called on Finance Minister, Mr. Haseeb Drabu today the 24th of June 2016 at Civil Secretariat and had detailed discussion regarding pending demands. The delegation expressed concern over SRO’s issued in the context of online filing of Vat returns and online payment of taxes. Among other issues raised included the rationalization of taxes, Amnesty, Interest subvention on out of Prime Ministers Flood Package, GST regime, negative behavior of Commercial Tax Department roll back of increased vat on consumables like packed milk, lassi, juices, frozen foods, service tax on advertising companies, toll tax after 5% excess allowed under the Motor Vehicle Act, mechanism to get rid of the under value system adopted at Lakhanpur, entertainment tax on 3D, 5D and gaming zones, one time composite tax on banquet halls, enhancement in limit for composite tax for small traders/dabhas, service tax on contract labour. The Finance Minister agreed in principle to maintain the existing rule of filing of online return and payment of tax above the turn over of 50 Lakhs. He also agreed that he will issue necessary SRO’s in coming days about role back of taxes on consumables and other issues discussed in the meeting. The hon'bleMinister agreed to issue SRO for charging 14.5% instead of 13.5% with effect from 01-07-2016.He assured that interest subventions for flood affected traders will definitely be released before Eid. The Finance Minister assured that he will resolve the long standing matter of 7% interest subsidy under Prime Ministers Rehabilitation Scheme of 2004 which has not been paid to the borrower hotel Industry since 2008 though the same had been received from the Central Government but diverted by the Department of Tourism. The matter of implementation of GST and the concerns of the industry were brought to the Finance Ministers notice. He said that state will exercise its residuary powers under the constitution and not be bound to seek GST councils approval on the legislative powers of the state. He added that the government in association with KCC&I and JCC&I will conduct free training programmes to educate the tax payer as and when GST regime will be implemented.

(Faiz Ahmad Bakshi)

Secretary General

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 31st May 2016

In an urgent meeting convened at Chamber House to discuss the financial budget presented by the state government, the Chamber feels totally disappointed from the traders point of view as the main demands of the trading community were Rationalization of Taxes as compared pan India, Amnesty on recoveries of Taxes and simplification of tax system to discourage inspector raj and corruption have not met justice. In simple terms the Chamber President Sh. Rakesh Gupta feels that we are not living in a “DEMOCRACY” but in a ‘DICTORIAL DEMOCRACY” in the state of Jammu & Kashmir and the state government is to be blamed for this especially the Finance department. The Chamber hails the extension on exemptions to the Industrial sector but at the same time feels dejected that there is no comprehensive industrial policy that will help the existing industry and in absence of which no new industries will come up. The Chamber welcomes the decision to reserve land for woman entrepreneurs in industrial estates but we ask the state government .”Where is the land bank” .The Chamber feels that pre budget meetings were just an eye wash and the people in financial department have rushed to just fulfill the formality of presenting budget without sensing what impact on the trade and the common man this increase of VAT and Toll means.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry declares this state budget as ANTI TRADE & ANTI POOR. We demand complete roll back of increase in VAT as the trade can’t survive with highest ever taxes being imposed as compared with rest of India. Also, the increase in State Toll Tax which we already term illegal will make all commodities costlier. The Chamber has convened a meeting of all business association tomorrow and has no option left but to call for a complete bandh which may lead to indefinite bandh starting from Saturday June 4 if the State Government does not roll back the increase in VAT and TOLL.

The Chamber questions the Government of Jammu & Kashmir that with what face they have been approaching the Union Government for reduction in Air Fares when they themselves have increased the Vat on Aviation Fuel. The steep illogical increase in VAT from products under 5 % to 14.5% will make most of the common mans needs go out of their budget and the finance department should know that the main manufacturers across India cannot change their MRP’s just for the state of J&K as their MRP is the same pan India. On one hand GST will be in place any moment and on the other hand the Finance department in JK state has done all this to give boost to illegal trade so that they can earn more through corruption. “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry demands complete roll back of increase of VAT of zero to 5% and 5% to 14.5% and also complete roll back on increase of toll before Saturday i.e. June 4 and the complete budget to be presented again” or the government should be ready to face the wrath of the poor people of the devastated state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry feel that the government has forgotten the vision of Late Jenab Mufti Mohamad Sayeed sahib and gone totally against his “HEALING TOUCH POLICY”. On one hand the department of commercial taxes harasses the traders for issuing VAT-51 invoices and on the other hand is a mute spectator to this practice being adopted by outsider big chains like BEST PRICE for apparent reason best know to them. ON one hand most of the political parties advocate Article 370 and on the other hand is increasing the taxes just to help the outsiders in ONLINE BUSINESS.

The other office bearers present in the meeting include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

( Arun Gupta)

Secretary General

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 28 th May 2016

An urgent Press Conference was held today at Chamber House regarding the burning issues being faced by the business world due to non acceptance e of genuine demands by the state government in the previous budgets. President Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta listed the major issues that have become a pain in the neck of business people who have demanded amnesty policy on GST/Excise/ VAT recoveries wherein the Principle amount could be paid and the interest and penalty be waived off whether in case of recovery on account of delayed payments or misclassification of products in VAT act. The Chamber also condemn the service tax on the sports category e.g the GYM services. The Chamber also feels that the state government is hell bent on devastating the economy of Jammu where entertainment tax on indoor activities like 5D and 9D theaters, Video games, Rides has been imposed. The Chamber demands exemption of any sort of tax on the same as it is with the great efforts and investments of entrepreneurs that such things have started coming up in Jammu. The Chamber again appeals to the state government for rationalization of VAT rates as compared PAN India especially on Desi Ghee, Margine, Soap, Dry fruits, UPS, Printing Cartridges, Poly Carbonates sheets, Plastic sheets, file covers and automobiles in CSD to 5% and also exempt the software needed for billing purposes from any sort of tax. Chamber also demands exemption of VAT on all types of study materials used by students. Chamber also demands one time composite service tax on food being served at Banquet Halls and also enhance the COT from present 25 lacs to 50 lacs in case of small traders and Dhabawalas.

Chamber also demands exemption of VAT on all types of Shawls being mostly purchased by the incoming tourists. Chamber also requests the government to allocate ample funds for creation of new wholesale markets, IT Parks, Cold Storages and affordable houses for all. Chamber also demands extension for regularly exempted goods. The Chamber also demands exemption of toll tax on import of fresh fruit and vegetables on the same lines of exemption on export of fresh fruits, so that the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables could come down which would be a great relief to the people. The chamber also demands exemption on export of Rice husk so that the Rice Sheller industry could become viable.

Chamber strongly supports and demands power amnesty scheme for all closed industrial units and also the existing and running units as has been done previously in the domestic category. It was also demanded that Toll tax in Cricket Bats be exempted which will be a big boost in the sales for the local cricket Bat industry and also to give exemption of CST and submission of C-forms for sports goods as per policy adopted by UP Govt.

Chamber further demands enforcement of SRO 105 regarding entry tax on import of machinery and sports to be followed in letter and spirit at Lakhanpur Checkpost.

To give boost to ease of doing business in our state Chamber further demands that there should be no negative list with regard to toll tax and VAT for all industrial products baring items as envisaged in the negative list issued by GOI and toll tax exemption should be made available to all industrial units without submission of exemption forms and should be on self declaration of the entrepreneurs. We also demand creation of new industrial estates with all government facilities required. It is further demanded that delayed payment act should be implemented in letter and spirit and all the payments to be made by the treasuries to the Industrial units be made within a timeframe.

Chamber also requests the government that all the incentives available to the industrial units during VAT regime should continue after the implementation of the GST act.

The Chamber feels confused today after it appeared in the local news dailies that sale of loose Cigarettes, Beedies has been prohibited, as the Chamber does not see any logic behind this move which will rather boost the sale of Cigarettes and beedies taking toll not only on the economy factor of individual but also take a toll on their good health. Chamber feels that proper awareness, audio visual programs should be held in the schools, Colleges and Bazars so that people know the bad effects of tobacco on their health so that less people get addicted. The Chamber feels that prohibition have always led to illegal and spurious trade which would be disasters for the people at large. Chamber urges the government to withdraw this prohibition with immediate effect.

The Chamber feels elated on the announcement of allocation of budget for creation of two AIIMS both in Jammu and Srinagar which was the prime demand of the Chamber last year and asks business world and the people at large to celebrate on achievement of this historic milestone towards better health care and also thanks both the union and the state government for these sanction.

The other office bearers present in the Press Conference include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and SH. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

(Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 16th May 2016

In an urgent meeting held at Chamber House, the Chamber welcomed the laying down of foundation stone for Three Medical Colleges at Rajouri, Baramula and Anantnag. The Chamber also hails the announcement made by Sh. J.P. Nadda, Union Health Minister that two Cancer Institutes and two AIIMS at Vijaypur and Avantipura will come up soon in the J&K State. The Chamber urges the Union Health Minister Sh. J.P.Nadda to come up with the notification for the establishment of AIIMS both at Vijaypur and Avantipura at the earlist.

On this occasion President Sh. Rakesh Gupta reposed full faith in the announcement made by Sh. J.P.Nadda in presence of hon'bleChief Minister J&K Madam, Mehbooba Mufti, Dr. Jatinder Singh, hon'bleMOS in Prime Minister Office MOS for Development of North Eastern Region(Independent Charge) and Sh. Bali Bhagat, hon'bleMinister for Health and Medical Education. But the Chamber cautions both the State and the Union Health Ministry that patients need doctors and Medical Machinery and not just buildings. The Chamber pointed out the plight of the Super Specialty Hospital in Maheshpura Bakshi Nagar Jammu which can in no way be termed as a Super Specialty Hospital. The demands that the Super Specialty Hospital Mahespura Bakshinagar Jammu be immediately out sourced on PPP mode or else handed over to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board who have already opertionalzed the Mata Vaishnodevi Narayana Super Specialty Hospital on PPP mode. The Chamber feels that no other demand can be more important than better health care facilities. The Chamber has decided to take up this matter of out sourcing of Super Specialty Hospital Maheshpura Bakshinagar Jammu with the respective Ministry in the state and is ready to go to any extent to get this out sourcing done as the state has miserably failed to run the same institute as per the definitions of Super Specialty Hospital.

The other Officer bearers present in the meeting include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and SH. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

(Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 13th May 2016

Today Babaji of Mathwar Temple near Akhnoor visited the Chamber House in the morning. Babaji was welcomed by the President Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta, Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasure. Babaji offered prayers in the Presidents room and prayed for peace and prosperity in the State. The Chamber felt happy to hear that a Helipad had been constructed at Mathwar temple which would help more people and religious tourists to fly from Katra to Mathwar Temple in just 7 minutes.
In a meeting of the office bearers of Chamber it was decided later that the religious importance of Matwar temple which was more than 700 yrs old should also be known to all and should be promoted by the tourism department as a part of religious tourism. The Chamber feels that the Management of Mathwar Temple has done a lot to make the devotees feel comfortable with A to Z facilities including rooms to stay and a drive way right to the steps of the temple and free food.

( Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 29th April 2016

A delegation of Czech Republic led by * Mr. Karel Schwarzenberg*,Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee accompanied by* Mr. Pavel Holik*,Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, *Mr. Leo Luzar*, Chairman of the Subcommittee for External Economic Relations, *Mr. Karel Rais*, Chairman of the Subcommittee for Development Cooperation, *H.E. Mr. Milan Hovorka*,Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to India, *Mrs. Zuzana Putnarova*, Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Committee, *Mr. Roman Masarik*,Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in New Delhi, *Mrs. Silvie Ginterova*,Interpreter visited Chamber House today to meet and interact with Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President CCI , Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary CCI, Sh. Vikrant Kuthiala, Chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry(J&K Chapter), Sh. Rahul Sahai, Vice Chairman CII (J&K Chapter), Sh. Lalit Mahajan, Chairman Federation of Industries Jammu were also present in the meeting. The main issues discussed in the meeting included exchange of technology in the field of textile manufacturing and also student and teacher exchange programs in tourism sector. It was also desired by the Czech Republic delegation that a delegation of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu should visit their country which would give a great boost in the fields of tourism exchange, better education facilities in the field of tourism and technology update in the industries. The Chamber President Sh. Rakesh Gupta requested the visiting delegation to visit Jammu again but for a few days so that the Chamber could show them the places like Bhaderwah, Patnitop and Mansar etc. The delegation further asked if Jammu industries could export products to their country for which they could facilitate the meetings.

(Deepak Aggarwal)

Vice President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 25th April 2016

The President Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh.Rakesh Gupta alongwith the other office bearers that included Sh. Arun Gupta Secy General , Deepak Aggarwal Vice President and Ashu Gupta Treasurer had a meeting with the Dy.CM Dr.Nirmal Singh to discuss the demands of the Chamber regarding NIT Srinagar issue. Sh. Chander Parkash Ganga Minister for Industries and Sh. Sat Sharma President State BJP were also present in the meeting.

At the outset the Dy.CM apprised the Chamber President and his team about the initiatives taken by the state and the central government about the demands raised by the students that included security issues, faculty issues and issues pertaining to HRD Ministry. On this the Chamber made it very clear that the NIT issue was not handled timely and in a proper manner that led to all this happen later. The Chamber President expressed displeasure over the use of excessive force used by the police on the unarmed students that too inside the NIT campus for which there was no justification. The chamber demanded permanent post of CRPF inside the campus as the local police had lost their credibility after their unjust action. It was made clear that JK Police, CRPF, BSF or Army etc were all the belt forces under the union of India hence it hardly mattered which wing of the force is deployed so that the students feel secured. The Chamber also demanded that the open FIR against the students be withdrawn. The Chamber also expressed serious concern as no action had yet been taken against the section of faculty who added fuel to the fire. It was also conveyed that Chamber had not taken any adverse steps that would have added to the problems as peace was imperative for the overall development of the state but at the same time the Chamber won’t be a mute spectator if such incidents re-occur that would endanger the lives of the students of our state studying in the other states across India and disturb peace in our state as that would hit the economy of our state which is already going through troubled waters.

The Dy.CM assured that effective steps have been taken and it shall be insured that disruptive forces will be dealt with a firm hand.

(Deepak Aggarwal)

Vice President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 12th April 2016

An urgent meeting was convened at the Chamber House today wherein all the Bazar, Trade, Transport and Industrial Associations were invited to give view point on the NIT row. The President Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta brought it to the notice of all those present, the steps taken towards getting justice for the nationalist students who had faced atrocities of the Police force inside the NIT Campus. The Chamber President expressed deep anguish that the demands put forth few days back, before the government through the media were not met with.

After hearing to the various heads of the associations it was unanimously decided that the Dy. Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh alongwith the local Administration should be invited to Chamber House for an open discussion in presence of Media Persons and they be asked to justify their action against the innocent students of NIT and why the demands of the Chamber to take action against the Police officers and the Police personal involved in the action for using excessive force inside the campus & action against the administration of NIT for not acting against the anti-national miscreants on the very first day when they raised anti-India slogan and permanent stationing of CRPF inside the NIT Campus for the safety of the Students under the prevailing circumstances were not accepted till date.

It was further decided that if the Dy. Chief Minister does not respond to this open invitation, the Chamber shall have no option but to call for Jammu Bandh which may also force the Chamber to call for an indefinite Jammu Bandh.

It was also deliberated that such action of few handful anti-nationals in the Kashmir Valley can jeopardize the security of thousands of students from the state of Jammu & Kashmir studying in other parts of India and also the businessmen from the state may face wrath all over India which may result in huge losses to the business for which separatists forces and anti-nationals shall be solely responsible. At the same time the people of J&K should not expect any sympathetic attitude in the rest of India if we have acted in the manner the nationalist students have been tortured and threatened which was a great concern to Chamber of Commerce & Industry which also feared total cancellation of bookings in the upcoming tourist season to the valley.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry feels the action of police inside the NIT campus was an attack on Tricolor and not on the nationalist students, hence it should be taken very seriously by the Govt. of J&K and also by the Govt. of India.

The Chamber warns the local administration and the government in J&K that if they have not learned lessons from the last years’s AIIMS agitation then they should be ready to face the final fight by the nationalist forces to throw out the anti-nationals outside the state permanently. The Chamber feels that these incidents if not handled strictly in time will lead to trifurcation of J&K State which shall be in no body’s interest.

The Office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary, Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer were present in the meeting

The heads and the representatives of Shiva Market Railway Station, Kanak Mandi Traders Association, Jammu Distributors Association, Traders Federation Warehouse, Rajinder Bazar Businessmen Association, Hotel, Restaurant & Bar Association, Jammu General Financer Association, Jain Bazar Traders Association, Upper Gumat Bazar Association, Bus Stand Traders Association, HAri Market Traders Association, Moti Bazar Businessmen Association, Shopkeepers Association, Bus Stand, Jammu Wine Traders Association, Parade Motor Parts Dealers Association, Parade Road Businessmen Association, Jammu Photographers Union, Wholesale food grain dealers Association, Jammu Computer Dealers Association, Hardware Paint & Sanitary Dealers Association, Jammu Opticians Dealers Association Motor Part Dealers Association, Transport Nagar, Jammu Pharmaceutical Dealers Association, Below Gumat Municiapl Market Traders Association, Wholesale Sugar Merchant Association, Wholesale Federation of Cigarette, Biri, Match and Tobacco product, Halwai Association, Dal Merchant Association, Sarafa Association, Association of Jammu Travel Agent, General Merchant Association, Jammu Printers Association, Wholesale Shoe Merchant Association, Whole Sale Cloth Merchant Association, Transporters Association, Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association, All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association, Jammu Fruit Association, Apsara Road Gandhi Nagar Traders Association, Secretariat Road/ Kachi Chawni Businessmen Association, Vir Marg Traders Association, Shalamar Businessmen Association, Old Hospital Traders Association, Industrial Association Baribrahmana, Association of Industries Gangyal and othes were present in the meeting.

(Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 9th April 2016

An urgent meeting was convened at the Chamber House today to discuss the situation after no agreement was reached upon between the students representatives of NIT and the government. The Chamber President Sh.Rakesh Gupta expressed extreme displeasure over the handling of the entire issue by the Administration of NIT .

The Chamber President firstly condemned the words “LOCALS” & “NON LOCALS” being used by anyone whosoever as we all are INDIANS first. He made it very clear that it was not a religious issue and it was purely a case of being NATIONALIST or ANTI- NATIONAL.

The Chamber feels it’s a glaring example of incompetence of the NIT administration at Srinagar who could have contained the situation on the very first day when some anti national elements did provocative actions but neither any action was taken against them at that time nor has been taken till date which was not understandable. On the contrary the Students who tried to negate the forces who are hell bent on disturbing peace were ruthlessly lathi charged. The Chamber wants to question the use of excessive force by the Police Officers and Police Personals who were present at the spot and entered the NIT Campus and even the class rooms to beat and rough up whatever came there way just because the Students were holding the Indian flags in their hands. The police force we feel have every right to take action to maintain law and order but can they justify the force used that too inside the gates of the NIT Campus.

The Chamber of Commerce Demands immediate FIR against the anti national student who were the root cause to this whole episode ,an in-depth inquiry in the role of NIT administration, withdrawal of FIR against the nationalist students who were just protesting within the premises of the Campus, suspension of the police officers and personals involved in brutal action inside the campus without any orders from any Magistrate against whom sufficient evidence of using excessive force against un-armed students is available.

The Chamber of Commerce welcomed the step taken by the government to order a time bound probe and is sure that a free fair and impartial report shall be submitted for further necessary action. The Chamber feels that peace is imperative for the development of our state and cautioned the people at large and the civil society that if such incidents re-occur then we may be deprived of getting or even asking the Government of India to sanction NIT like prestigious institutions for Kashmir and no one else but we shall solely be blamed for the same. The Chamber appeals to the Chief Minister Smt. Mehbooba Mufti to take all these incidents very seriously and take urgent corrective measures and at the same time appeals to all the NIT students to feel safe and secured and devote their time towards their studies as the exams are approaching fast.

The Office Bearers also present in the meeting include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer

(Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 6th April 2016

The Chamber condemns the trail of incidents that happened at NIT Srinagar. The Chamber welcomes immediate deployment of CRPF ordered by the State government and demands that this CRPF deployment be made permanent in the wake of situation that may reoccur. The Chamber questions the entry of Police inside the campus and classrooms of NIT and demands suspension of Police Officers present at that time and also demands that the police personnel who entered the class rooms to beat up the students which also include some handicapped students be suspended with immediate effect. The Chamber condemns the statement made by some quarters in the government that it was a light lathi charge as the injuries inflicted on the students are a testimony that it was a very brutal lathi charge. The Chamber President received calls from some of the students and got exact and factual inputs and accordingly talked to DGP Sh. K.Rajendra and asked him to ensure the safety of the students and take urgent necessary action. The Chamber also condemns the threats made by some faculty members in NIT and appeals to the Ministry of HRD who were provided substantial evidence by the students regarding the threats they received and advises the ministry to sack them with immediate effect.

The Parents of many students were deeply shocked and felt in secure for the safety of their Children studying at NIT and called on the Chamber President and his team.

The Chamber President Sh. Rakesh Gupta also contacted Sh. Mushtaq Ahamd Wani, President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Mohd. Yaseen Khan, President Traders Federation Kashmir and Mohd. Ashraf, President , Federation of Industries Kashmir and requested them to go to NIT immediately to ask the welfare of the students but they were not allowed inside by the Police. The Chamber expresses its displeasures that no Minister from the government visited the NIT Campus to take stock of ugly situation and take necessary measures accordingly.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry appeals to the hon'bleChief Minister Smt. Mehbooba Mufti to intervene immediately as the situation may go out of hand if the culprits are not booked and action taken.

The Office bearers present in the Press Conference include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General.

(Arun Gupta)

Secretary General

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 6th April 2016

An urgent meeting was convened at the Chamber house today where in the demands of the Sarafa Association and the Swarankar Sangh were discussed. The Chamber President Sh. Rakesh Gupta and his team of office bearers expressed great concern as the Jewellery trade strike and shut down was since March 2nd almost more than 35 days rendering millions of workers jobless and on verge of starvation. It was also a matter of great loss to the countrys economy the President said.

The Chamber of Commerce fails to understand the logic behind such moves of the government by making the things complicated for business people by imposing excise which the chamber feels is a move towards promoting inspector raj which was contrary to the promise of the Union government towards Ease of doing Business & Make in India Initiative. The Chamber suggests to the Finance Minister Sh. Arun Jaitley to impose 1% additional Customs duty at the first point of Import Gold Bullion which would yield more revenue rather than imposing excise duty.

The Chamber feels that if the Union government goes on with this dictatorial diktats there may be loss of life as also happened in the previous agitation in 2012 by the jewellers when 22 people lost their precious lives. “IS THE GOVERNMENT WAITING FOR THE PEOPLE TO COMMIT SUICIDES? “

The Chamber of Commerce fells that if the Union Government does not take any positive decision soon then the Chambers and other Apex trade bodies pan India will have no option but to call for shut down across India which would be our last resort as the Government till now has turned deaf ears towards the genuine demand of Jewellers to roll back the imposed excise duty. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry also appeals to the Hon ble Prime Minister Sh. Narinder Bhai Modi to take the same view on imposition of Excise as he did in 2012 openly supporting the Jewellers.

Among others Office Bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry present in the meeting include Sh. Sham Lal Langer,Sr Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General CCI, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary CCI and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer CCI.

(Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCI/16/2016 Press Note 24th March 2016

Today on the request of President Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta, Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Hon’ble Member Parliament paid visit to the Chamber House and discussed the demands made by the chamber to the previous political regime and also to the Hon’ble Governor of J&K State. The Chamber also made it very clear that besides economic activities the Chamber shall not in any way go back on the demands concerning general public for example simplification of process for issuing Permanent Resident Certificate(PRCs), Super Specialty Hospital in Jammu to be out sourced, creation of Commercial & Parking spaces and many other like issues.

On this occasion as requested by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry the Hon’ble Member Parliament Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma handed over a letter to the Chamber Office Bearers contributing the sum of Rs. 10 lacs out of his MPLAD funds for up gradation of facilities. It is pertinent to know that the Chamber House being the hub of economic activities representing all business and Industrial people of Jammu province needs to be upgraded so that various business organsaition as also Social Orgainsations can use the space in the Chamber House for meetings and awareness campaigns for the public at large. Among others, the Member Parliament was accompanied by Senior BJP Leaders Sh. Vikram Randhawa, Sh. Baldeev Singh, Sh. Vinay Gupta and Sh. Chander Shekhar. The Chamber Officer Bearers present on the occasions include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

The Chamber also thanked Sh. Kavinder Gupta, Hon’ble Speaker J&K State Legislative Assembly for his contribution of Rs. 5 lacs, Sh. Ashok Khajuria, Hon’ble MLC for contributing Rs. 10 lacs and Smt. Priya Sethi, Hon’ble Ex-Minister for Education for contributing Rs. 5 lacs for the same purpose.

(Rakesh Gupta)

President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 4th March 2016

The Delegation of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu called on the Hon’ble Governor Sh. N.N. Vohra today at Civil Secretariat Jammu and brought to his notice the following issues for consideration and necessary action.

JDA Issues

A. Allotment of land for proposed business club for the members of Chamber of Commerce & Industry

In this regard we would like to submit that the case is already pending with the JDA for allotment of 25 kanals of land situated at Kunjwani bearing khasra no 62 which could not be allotted earlier despite the agenda being circulated among the board members because of flashfloods last year. In this regard we would like to make it clear that most of the traders and industrialists who are members of Chamber of Commerce & Industry cannot get membership in the clubs situated in Jammu because of low literacy level. The membership for the proposed club shall purely be available for the members of Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We request you to please pass necessary instructions to the VC JDA to do the needful at the earliest.

B. Mortgage of shops allotted by JDA for the purpose of availing banking loans.

In this regard we would like to submit that the shops allotted by JDA to the people carrying business activities are not allowed to mortgage the shops to the banking institutions for obtaining loans for business purposes. It is requested to you to pass necessary instructions to VC JDA to do the needful at the earliest.

C. Revised Master Plan for Jammu City

We would like to submit to your goodselves that finalization of Master Plan 2025 is an issue which needs future vision considering the lack of commercial space, parking space / toilets in the Jammu city.

It needs no mention that due to lack of vision by the previous governments no provision for commercial places / parking places / toilets was kept in the previous plans leading to so called unauthorized commercial activity being carried on in the residential colonies.

We request you that Chamber of Commerce & Industry be consulted before any such finalization so that the option of allowing a mixed land use in certain areas can be discussed.

D. Pending regularization of Shops in Warehouse, Nehru Market & Transport Nagar

It is humbly submitted to your goodselves that in a communication number PS/MHUD/02/2001 dated 24th April 2001 from Housing and Urban Development Department it was decided after negotiations with Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu to regularize the allotment of shops in Warehouse, Nehru Market and Transport Yard after charging Rs. 7000/- per sqft.

In this regard we wish to inform you that the business people in possession of such shops and carrying on business had deposited part payments but the department has refused to accept the further balance payments.

We request your goodselves to pass on necessary urgent instructions to the Jammu Development authority so that the balance payment could be made by the traders and regularization could be done. The copy of the said letter from the Housing and Urban Development Department is enclosed herewith for your ready reference.

E. Pending Lease deeds execution of shops in Shiv Market Rail Head Complex Jammu

This is to bring into your kind notice that Jammu Development Authority had issued public notice no. JDA/CA-118 dated 11-11-2008 that appeared in the local dailies regarding the revised transfer fee rates for JDA’s Commercial / Residential Assets.

On the basis of said mentioned public notice the occupants of the shops in Mini Shopping Center Rail Head Complex Jammu had applied for the transfer of said shops and execution of lease deeds in their names as they had also deposited the requisite fee for the same with JDA.

It is regardless to mention that inspite of several representations made by the occupants of the said market with the concerned authorities, JDA has not taken up the matter seriously thus depriving the occupants of the lease deeds to executed.

You are therefore requested to kindly issue necessary instructions to the concerned JDA authorities to sort out the matter at the earliest.

F. Conferring of ownership rights at Prem Nagar, Vivekanand Chowk Jammu

We request your goodselves that conferring of ownership rights at Prem Nagar, Vivekanand Chowk, Jammu is still pending since long.

Tourism

A. Golf Course fee

The Jammu Tawi Golf Course at Sidhra was built on vast stretch of State land by public money for the promotion of tourism in Jammu. It has come up very nicely and is now a landmark of Jammu.

But it is a matter of great concern that Golf Course has failed to attract local tourism service providers as membership fee has been quite high. While “Service Category” membership is Re. One Lac only, “Business Category” membership fee is fixed at Rs. Five Lacs. Further monthly subscription in case of business category is double than service category.

Going by rough estimates 80% of Golf Course membership comprises of Service Category. Though Tourism Department has managed to organize a few tournaments on this Golf Course in recent past, but it has failed to attract attention of tourism fraternity due to enormously high cost of membership for tourism service providers and private business people. Business community of Jammu is quite concerned about this discrimination.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry very humbly requests your good self to please order concerned authorities to reduce Business Category membership fee to half and also introduce a special category for recognized tourism service providers of Jammu (including those who have already applied) with fees equivalent to Service Category membership. The monthly subscription should also be kept equal for all the categories.

B. Withdrawal of service tax on Helly services for pilgrims

We request your goodselves to consider the withdrawal of service tax on helly services which was imposed some time back, as we feel that taxing pilgrimage is not in the interest of the state.

C. Up-gradation and professional handling of Machil Yatra including Helly services

We request your goodselves that up-gradation and professional handling of Machil Yatra including Helly services needs urgent attention so that more and more pilgrims could visit this far flung sector which would help the economy of the state.

D. Development of Suchetgarh tourism Circuit

We request your goodselves that urgent steps be taken to develop the Suchgarh tourism sector keeping in view that there are large number of people who would love to visit Suchetgarh for border tourism on the pattern of Wagha Border.

E. Identification of Land to be made available to BSF for construction of first ever Museum at Suchetgarh.

We request your goodselves to identify and hand over sufficient chunk of land to BSF for the construction of first ever BSF(Museum) at Suchetgarh which would attract lakhs of tourists to this place.

F. Reconstitution of JKTDC Board and nomination of Tourism Federation of Jammu representatives in various boards and advisory committees of the State / Central Government.

We request your goodselves that reconstitution of JKTDC Board and nomination of Tourism Federation of Jammu representatives in various boards and advisory committees of the State / Central Government be expedited.

Revenue

A. Simplification of process of issuance of State Subject

Sir, the check list to apply for issuance of a State Subjects need to be reviewed and simplified. If a person applying for a State Subject has the State Subjects of his Father and Grandfather already then there should be no need for any other document and the same should be issued within 3 days of applying. At the same time no steps have been taken for digitalization of records which is the need of the hour as it is difficult to get certificates regarding old records from Mahafiz Khana

B. Land for expansion of Jammu Airport

Sir , We request your good self to take urgent steps to hand over 800 kanal of Land allotted to the Department of Animal Husbandry in Belicharana lying defunct to the Airport Authority of India who have sufficient funds to create a state of art airport in Jammu. This would help in safe landing of flights , more flight , lesser cost of tickets and help the ailing economy of Jammu.

Housing / Urban Development

A. Completion of STP for old city delayed by NBC(National Building Construction Corporation

We request your urgent attention towards getting the STP functional for the old city being constructed by National Building Corporation.

Health

A. Functioning of Super Specialty Hospital in Jammu

Sir, the functioning of Super Specialty Hospital in Jammu has not met the purpose for which it was created and the people are being denied the Right to Medical Treatment which is a Fundamental Right. The People at large have to go to the other states to get treated which is very inconvenient and costly. We request your good self to take effective steps to make it a visible Super Specialty or Outsource the same. We also request that this very institution should be made a Paid Medical Institution at a subsidized cost so that it can meet up the expenses needed to run it smoothly.

B. Setting up of AIIMS at Jammu and Srinagar

Sir , the GOI had constituted a team to visit and finalize the sites for setting up of AIIMS in both Jammu and Srinagar. The team has already visited Jammu but their visit to Srinagar is still awaited. We request you good self to take up this matter on priority basis so that the much awaited proper notification for setting up of AIIMS in both regions of the state could be issued by GOI.

C. Amendment in process of prosecution by Drugs Control department in case any drug fails a quality test.

We request your goodselves to revise the process of prosecution by Drug Control department in case any drug fails quality test. As of now a person having a bonafide drug license who supplies / sells medicines on behalf of manufacturer is also booked as “accused”, whereas we feel that if the supplier is in possession of manufacturers invoice copy, he should be booked as “witness” and not as “accused”

Industries Issues

A. Ease of Doing Business

We request your goodselves that policy regarding “ease of doing business” was announced by the government sometime back but has not been implemented yet.

B. New Industrial Policy

We request your goodselves to take urgent note that the existing Industrial Policy expired on 31-03-3015 and it has been extended upto 31-03-2016. We request that the New Industrial Policy be announced keeping in view the representations submitted to your goodselves

C. Thrust Area Industry

As per the J&K Industrial Policy certain areas have been designated as thrust areas where the government wants to attract investments. Some of these industries are in manufacturing sector and others are service sector industries. At present service sector industries which have been categorized as thrust area industries and have even been cleared by apex project clearance committee headed by Chief Secretary are being charged commercial rates for power. This anomaly should be removed and service sector industries which are categorized as thrust areas industries and have been cleared by APCC should be charged industrial tariff as applicable to manufacturing industries

Other Important Issues

A. Work progress on sanctioned developmental projects in Jammu

Sir, it a matter of great concern that the Projects already sanctioned have either yet to be started or the pace of work is invisible. We request your goodself to make public the factual status of projects like Gandola , Artificial Lake , Mubarak Mandi , Patnitop development and Convention Centre and also take effective steps to make their completion time bound.

B. Action against tainted / non performing public servants

Sir , While we appreciate your present directives that have led to visible work culture in the various government departments we also request your good self to act immediately against Tainted and Non Performing Public Servants . We also request you to make sure that Persons holding key posts which are the face of our state are such who are persons of integrity and not such who are facing corruption charges or strictured by the judiciary .

C. Abolition of Interview system for Non Gazatted Posts

Sir, we request you to review the system of Interviews for the Non Gazatted Posts which we feel should be abolished as it leads to corrupt practices and deprives the genuine common man who does not have influence to get jobs.

D. Contribution from discretionary grant for completion of balance work of Chamber house at Rail Head Complex Jammu

Sir, As you are well aware that Chamber of Commerce & Industry the apex body representing all types of trades, industries and service industry is the face of any economy of a State/ Province and also the pride of the business community. The Chamber house at Rail head complex Jammu was constructed way back in 1990’s and needs to be upgraded as a corporate house and more space to be created.

Although we are spending on renovations and creating more space from our own sources wherein lot of activities shall be conducted in the interest of the business community and liasoning with the government. We request you to contribute suitable amount from your discretionary grant as the completion of this project needs more than rupees five crores.

Amnesty of GST Recoveries

It is submitted that amnesty be announced to waive off the interest / penalties during the GST period / Pre VAT so that it gives a great relief to the people in business and also result in collection of huge revenue to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

Amnesty on account of faults in classification in VAT Act.

We request that amnesty be allowed on account of faults due to wrong classifications of various commodities for traders in case of VAT rates E.g Tin foil for packing material (should be 5% ), printer/ multi-functional printers(should be 5%), shoes (should be 5%)

Exemption of Service tax on GYM services

GYM services should be exempted from service tax

Exemption of Entertainment Tax on Games Zone

Entertainment tax on running indoor activities like 5-D and 9-D theatres, bowling, Video games rides etc should be exempted.

Variation of VAT Rates compared PAN India

VAT on Desi Ghee and margine , Soap, Dry Fruits,UPS and printing cartridges, poly carbonates sheets and plastic sheets, file covers etc should be brought at par with neighbouring states at 5%.

Power tariff for service industry / amnesty

We request that the power tariff for the hotels and service industry should be brought at par with industrial tariff and also amnesty on old recoveries be granted wherein interest and penalty be waived off as one time settlement for hotels and shops etc.

VAT on Educational material

We request to your goodself that all education materials being used by students for studies as well as practical works etc should be brought under Zero% VAT Category

Tax on CSD Products

It is submitted that the high rate of taxation on the products sold through CSD in respect of automobile is resulting in the loss of revenue to the state of J&K as well as badly hitting the sales of local dealers as the taxations in the nearby states is much lesser which encourages people in our state to buy the products from outside the state. It is pertinent to note that the state exchequer is incurring heavy losses not only on account lesser sale of units but also on account of the registration fee in case of vehicles. As such it is requested that the rate of tax should be brought down to 5%.

Service tax on Banquet Halls

One time service tax to be deposited on the food being served

Service tax on education

Service tax to be charged from tutorials and not from Schools and colleges

VAT on Shawls

We request you please to exempt all types of shawls from any taxation

Threshold limit for payment of Composite tax in respect of small traders/ Daabawals

As a relief to small traders and eateries a COT scheme was notified under SRO 404 dated 29th November 2007 wherein establishment having turnover of more than 7.5 lacs but not exceeding 20 lacs are supposed to pay composite tax at 12000 per annum within municipal limits and Rs. 6000 outside municipal limits. However despite a lapse of more than eight years the turnover has not been revised to be exempted. As such it is humbly prayed that the turnover to be covered under COT be increased from Rs. 20 lacs at present to Rs. 50 lacs keeping in view the impact of inflation over past eight years.

Creations of New Wholesale markets / IT Parks / Cold Storages

It is almost 50 years now that one warehouse came into existence at Bikram Chowk to transact the wholesale business and thereafter no such places were identified to be developed for expanding the business for the next generations. This lack of vision has resulted into total congestion and saturation in the Jammu city. We request that adequate funds be earmarked for trade specific additional warehouses / IT parks and cold storages.

Affordable houses

It is submitted that affordable houses for one and all is the need of the hour which is supported by government of India. We request that adequate funds be earmarked for development of such facilities.

VAT billing software

It is submitted that VAT on software that is used for VAT billing be exempted from taxation.

Extension for regularly exempted goods

It is submitted that exemption on Paddy, Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Flour, Aata, Maida, Suji, Besan and Dhalia be continued on the same pattern and as such necessary orders be issued by the Finance Department to keep these products in Zero% category.

Exemption of Toll on import of fresh fruits and vegetables

It is submitted that the toll tax being charged on import of fresh fruit & vegetables be totally exempted on the same pattern of exemption on export of Apple.

Toll tax exemption on Rice husk

At present Rice Sheller industry is facing acute financial crunch. They are selling rice husk which is the byproduct of rice @ Rs. 120 per Qtl and the toll on the same is Rs. 70 per Qtl. To make the rice Sheller industry viable we request that export of rice husk should be exempted from payment of toll tax.

Industrial Sector

Power amnesty scheme for closed units

It is requested that power amnesty scheme for the industrial units which are not running and their power connections have been disconnected should be granted one time amnesty scheme.

Power amnesty scheme for existing / running units

Huge amount of government money as electricity charges are under dispute with the existing/ running industrial units. We request that an amnesty scheme at par with domestic power amnesty scheme issued by the government earlier should also be announced for industrial units having dispute of power bills.

Toll Tax on Cricket Bat Industry

The export of cricket bats are exempted from the purview of toll tax as per the industrial incentives available in the state for which an exemption form is required to be filled which is not only time consuming but also hamper the export process. We request that toll tax on export of Cricket bats should be totally exempted and there should be no formality whatsoever to be completed in this regard.

Special Cluster for Cricket BAT Industry

A lot of Cricket Bat Industry is running in un-organised sector. We suggest that a cluster area be developed for cricket bat industry near Jammu i.e Bishneh, Nagrota and one Kanal plots be allotted to the existing industry keeping in view the cluster development policy and incentives from MSME by Govt. of India.

Exemption of CST and submission of C-forms for sports goods

To boost the Cricket bat industry the UP Government has exempted CST and submission of C-forms for sports goods including cricket bats due to which the trade of sports goods including the cricket bat has diverted from our state to UP and our cricket bat manufacturing industry is facing crunch on this account. Sir, the Willow clefts are being produced in our state but the UP government is harnessing the benefits. We request that to save the cricket bat industry of our state the submission of C-forms as well as CST should be exempted for sports goods.

Entry tax on Import of machinery and spares

Although SRO 105 has been issued with regard to this but it needs to be further enforced intra-departmentally to be followed in letter and spirit at Lakhanpur check post.

Free hold rights for industrial units

The Industrial land is being allotted on lease hold basis to the unit holders. We suggest to give free hold rights to the entrepreneurs who belong to J&K state. This will ease the pressure on them to avail extra finances from the financial institutions.

Negative List

In the era of liberalization we suggest that there should be no negative list with regard to toll tax and VAT for all the industrial products barring items as envisaged in the negative lists issued by Govt. of India.

Creation of New Industrial Estates

We regret to inform that besides the announcement made by your goodself in your last budget that a land bank of approximately 10 thousand kanals will be developed in our state. Till date we are not aware of any progress on this account which needs to be pushed more vigorously to encourage entrepreneurship.

Delayed Payment Act

All though the Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir has issued orders in this regard excluding the state government departments and corporations. This needs further improvement and we suggest that Govt. of India delayed payment act be implemented in toto.

Service Tax on Contract Labour

We request that service tax on account of payments made to the contract labour should be charged on the amount being charged by service provider over and above the wages & benefits actually paid instead of taking into consideration to whole component.

Toll Tax exemption to Industry

We request that toll tax exemption should be made available to all industrial units without submission of exemption forms and it should be on self affirmation of the entrepreneurs.We also request that Green Channel should be made available for early clearance of industrial goods.

VAT remission and VAT refund on Raw material by SICOP

The existing incentive of VAT remission on finished goods and cash less VAT refund on raw materials purchased through SICOP is expiring on 31-03-2016 which needs to be further extended.

Release of Payment to Industrial units by the treasuries

We request that the payment due to industrial units should be made on priority basis through the designated treasuries for industries.

Post GST scenario for industry

We request that all the incentives available to the industrial units during VAT regime should continue after implementation of GST Act in our state.

The Hon’ble Governor assured speedy disposal of the genuine issues raised by Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The Office bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry who accompanied the delegation include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer

Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Regd.)
O.B-31- Rail Head Complex Jammu
Phones: 0191-2472255, 2472266

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 25th February 2016

An urgent meeting was held today at Chamber House regarding the transfers in the administration ordered by the government today.
President Chamber of Commerce & Industry hailed the decision of transfer of Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Commissioner Commercial Taxes who was hell-bent upon harassing the business community ever since he took over. The Chamber thanks the State Administrative Council who have taken such decision after it was highlighted by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the press meeting held on 20th February 2016 wherein the Chamber had requested in a communication to the hon'bleGovernor.
“Action against Tainted / Non Performing Public Servants

Sir , While we appreciate your present directives that have led to visible work culture in the various government departments we also request your good self to act immediately against Tainted and Non Performing Public Servants . We also request you to make sure that Persons holding key posts which are the face of our state are such who are persons of integrity and not such who are facing corruption charges or strictured by the judiciary .”
It may not be out of place to mention that the division bench of high court then headed by Justice Mr. M.M Kumar had directed the removal of Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan who was then Dy. Commissioner Srinagar on the grounds that he was facing corruption charges in the Gulmarg land scam. This judgment of the division bench was challenged by the government in the apex court but the decision of the division bench was up held by the apex court. The Chamber of Commerce & Industry feels that the removal of such tainted officers is just tip of the iceberg and any such tainted/ non performing officers should not be posted on key posts which are the face of our state.
The meeting was attended by the office bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer

(Deepak Aggarwal)

Vice President

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 26th January 2016

Chamber of Commerce & Industry celebrated 67th Republic Day with Traditional gaiety. Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President Chamber of Commerce & Industry, unfurled the National Flag which was followed by singing of National Anthem. Addressing the members Sh. Rakesh Gupta highlighting the achievements made by the country after Independence. Sweets were distributed among the members on the occasion He also asked the members to be united and work with dedication, transparency and sincerity to serve the nation and the society. Prominent among others present on the occasion include Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Vice President CCI, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General CCI, Sh Ashu Gupta, Treasurer CCI, Sh. Rajendra Motial, former Secretary General, Sh. Shiv Partap Gupta, Sh. Vinod Malhotra, Sh. S.K. Sareen, Sh. Sudershan Kohli, Sh. Raghubir Gupta, Sh. Davinder Batra, Sh. Jagdish Langer, Sh. Ajay Langer, Sh. Ashwani Khullar, Sh. Manmohan Singh, Sh. Balwinder Singh, Sh. Kuldip Singh, Sh. Vishwamitter, Sh. Rajinder Parshad, Sh. Subash Gupta, Sh. Rajesh Gupta , Sh. Banka Misra and others.

(Arun Gupta)

Secretary

CCJ/16/2016 Press Note 8th January 2016

Sh. Haseeb. A Drabu
hon'bleFinance Minister
J&K State
Sir,
An urgent press conference was organized at the Chamber House to condole the sad demise of Jenab Mufti Mohammad Sayeed hon'bleChief Minister of the state of Jammu & Kashmir yesterday.
The President Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sh. Rakesh Gupta alongwith his office bearers expressed heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of Jenab Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, hon'bleCM. The President said that Mufti Sahib has left us at a very crucial juncture where the people of the state needed him the most. He also said that its not easy to find a replacement of a person like the stature of Mufti Sahib as he was a person with strong determination , vision and had the ability to take tough decisions in this torn and conflict zone state.
The President Chamber on this occasion appreciated the timely action of the PDP and unanimously reposing faith in the leadership of Madam Mehbooba Mufti by a communication to the His Excellency Sh. NN Vohra , The Governor of the State. The Chamber extends full support to Madam Mehbooba Mufti and wishes her all the very best to in taking over the reins of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The President said although it will take time for Mehbooba ji to act without the guidance of her Father as “she is a loving daughter who has lost her loving father just yesterday” but we are very sure that with her long experience staying in politics and learning from her father as also being in touch with cross sections of society it will not take long for her to streamline and take urgent necessary measures to keep away the destructive forces from disturbing the hard earned peace in the state.
The President Chamber also appreciated the stand of the BJP in supporting the internal decision of PDP to unanimously choose Mehbooba ji as the next CM.
The other office bearers present in the Press Conference include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

(Rahul Mahajan)

Secretary

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 30th December 2015

Sh. Haseeb. A Drabu
hon'bleFinance Minister
J&K State
Sir,
We bring to your kind notice the following points for favourable consideration.We strongly resent the way the Commercial Tax department team alongwith Police force raided the premises of one of our member in Kanak Mandi.
We also resent the way the Commercial tax survey teams are visiting the different premises of our members. They harass the owner of the business establishments even if they do not find anything wrong during survey.
The vigilance team of the Commercial tax department is acting arbitrarily. They even refuse to listen to the genuine businessmen transferring their stocks from godowns to shops even if the party has proper challan of the company from whom the goods have been purchased. If the party has loaded the purchased goods in two load carriers and is having only one challan / bill for the whole material is also penalized by the vigilance team.
Though the businessmen are ready to upload VAT 65 but due to the lack of proper documents within the required time for uploading the VAT 65, they are unable to upload the same. Till such time the department properly guides the business community the previous process of uploading VAT-65 should be allowed to continue.
A genuine businessman who has applied for stay against the notices issued by the Commercial tax department without taking into consideration the case and without giving them any chance to be heard should be given stay and heard properly and appeal be disposed off in a stipulated time.

((Rakesh Gupta))

President

CC: Sh. Naveen Kumar Choudhary, IAS Commissioner Secretary, Finance Department for inf. & na

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 28th December 2015

A meeting was convened at the Chamber House today on 28-12-2015 under the Presidentship of Sh. Rakesh Gupta wherein all the Office bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu, Office Bearers of Bari Brahmana Industries Association and Office bearers of Association of Industries Gangyal participated to discuss the problems being faced by the trade and industry so that the same could be taken up during the forth-coming Pre-budget meeting.
Those present in the meeting included Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President CCI, Sh. Rajesh Jain, Chairman FOI, Sh. Lalit Mahajan, President Bari Brahmana Industries Association, Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President CCI, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President CCI, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General CCI, Sh. Rahul Mahajan, Secretary CCI, Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer CCI, , Sh. Rahul Bansal, Sr. Vice President BBIA, Sh. Varun Singla, Vice President BBIA, Sh. Ajay Langer, General Secretary BBIA, Sh. Viraj Malhotra, Treasurer BBIA, Sh. Bansi Lal Gupta, Sr. Vice President Association of Industries Gangyal, Sh. Ashok Jain, Vice President, Association of Industries Gangyal, Sh. S.B. Abrol, Secretary General Association of Industries Gangyal, Sh. Vijay Sharma, Secretary Association of Industries Gangyal, and Sh. Sanjeev Vig, Treasurer.
Threadbare discussions were held regarding the problems being faced by the industries in particular and traders in general. It was unanimously decided to take all the problems with the government during the pre-budget meeting logically and forcibly so that the long pending demands of trade and industry could meet justice in the forth-coming budget for 2016-17.

(Arun Gupta)

Secretary General

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 14th December 2015

The meeting of the Executive Committee of Chamber of Commerce & Industry was held on Saturday 12th December 2015 under the Presidentship of Shri Rakesh Gupta.
At the outset Secretary General Sh. Arun Gupta welcomed the members and informed about the sad demise of some Sr. Members of the Executive Committee during the period. The members present in the meeting observed two minutes silence to condole their demise.
Thereafter the house with one voice confirmed the Minutes of the last meeting of the Executive Committee held on 12th December 2014.
Secretary General Sh. Arun Gupta placed before the house the report on the Interim activities.
While taking up the Agenda Point regard extension and renovation of Meeting Hall at the ground floor, various suggestions were put forth by the members. After thorough discussions the house unanimously granted permission for the extension and renovation of the existing meeting hall and authorized the office bearers to proceed further in this regard.
To associate all the business associations with Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the house with one voice approved and fixed the fee for enrollment of Association at Rs. 15000/- + subscription which was Rs. 25000 before.
Regarding the Agenda Point about the President’s Post of Joint Chamber, Sh. Rakesh Gupta, President put before the members to decide whether the sitting President of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu should have been the President of Joint Chamber or the Past President. The majority of the members were of the view that the sitting President should have been the President of Joint Chamber as this post is held by virtue of being President of Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu
The house also approved the enrollment of new members for the financial year 2014-2015.
Sh. Rakesh Gupta President Chamber of Commerce & Industry informed the house that Sh. S.P. Bhandari Sr. Most Staff member has been given retirement w.e.f 31st May 2014. The house approved the same.
In the end Sh. Sham Lal Langer Sr. Vice President presented the Vote of Thanks.

(Arun Gupta)

Secretary General

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 12th October 2015

With a view to take stock of situation arising out of the criminal attack in Udhampur on the Kashmir bound goods carrier and its cascading impact on the social, political and economic environment of the state, an urgent joint meeting of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) was convened at the office of KCC&I in Srinagar, today the 12th of October 2015. The President JCC&I Mr. Rakesh Gupta represented the Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry while, President KCC&I Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani represented KCC&I. It was unanimously agreed in the meeting that the unabated politically motivated attacks on truckers are bound to spell doom on all walks of human life through out the state of J&K unless curbed with a heavy hand so that the disruptive elements and their activities are paralyzed forever in future which will help the people to hold the high values of peace, amity and brotherhood for which the people of J&K are known for.

After detailed discussion on the alarming situation prevailing now, the two apex business organizations of the Sate vehemently condemn the spree of attacks on innocent truckers by the politically motivated goons and the ineffective action taken by the government to curb them with a heavy hand.In a joint statement the two Chambers appealed and demanded that the Government should immediately come in action, to trace the culprits/ disruptive elements and punish and prevent them for their nefarious activity, before it is too late.

It was also decided that both the Chambers will fight all such elements jointly who want to dilute the identity of the permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir by debating on sections of constitution.

It was also decided that periodical meetings between the Two Chambers will be held regularly in future where issues of mutual interest will be deliberated and join action taken.

. (Mushtaq Ahmad Wani )
President

KCC&I

. (Rakesh Gupta)
President

JCC&I amp;I

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 11th October 2015

“Jammu-Sialkot Peace Mission Ride”
Biker Brotherhood Motorcycle Club, CCI favour opening borders for peace
11 october 2015

JAMMU: In wake of escalation on borders and prevailing hostilities on either sides of the fence, Biker Brotherhood Motorcycle Club, India in association with Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a “Jammu-Sialkot Peace Mission Ride” which was flagged off from Bahu Plaza by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Danish Rana in presence of CCI President Rakesh Gupta here this morning. Over forty riders became part of this historic ride which after passing through Gandhi Nagar, Satwari, R S Pura culminated at Suchetgarh where Border Security Force (BSF) personnel flagged in the Rally.

Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmad, Bureau chief Times Now Pardeep Duta, social activist Ruchi Chauhan Khan, Commissioner Taxation Arvind Kotwal, Mendhar Youth Club President Nadeem Khan, animal rights activist Rumpy Madan and Sunny Dua were also present on the occasion. Rider and President of Biker Brotherhood Motorcycle Club, India Jugraj Singh led this first ever Peace Rally with an aim to spread message of peace and brotherhood across the borders.

All the bikers of Bikers Brotherhood Motorcycle Club India along with members of Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry were given a warm welcome at border. This club is an an amalgam of young bikers who had been riding for social causes in and outside the state since past over five years. The Club President while interacting with media said that this Bike Ride from Jammu to Suchetgarh, R S Pura was taken up with sole aim to spread message of peace and harmony besides seeking opening of this stretch of border on the pattern of Wagah, Amritsar

Jugraj Singh added that in view of recent escalations on Indo-Pak border The Bikers Brotherhood Motorcycle Club hope that this ride would send a strong message of peace on either sides of the fence and regenerate a hope amongst those separated during bloody partition of 1947. He added that there are a number of families, individuals, writers, teachers, professionals and artists on both sides of the fence who had fond memories of pre-partition era and this proposed ride will help not only help them remember their past but also kindle a hope of making these borders irrelevant one fine day.

He added that this border line should be converted into Line of Commerce and Connectivity. He said that this border must be opened on the pattern of Wagah borer in Amritsar so that people on both sides enter into peace and progress.

Later Mr Rakesh Gupta of CCI said that several families on this side of the fence have faced the brunt of firing incidents on the Indo-Pak border who have also lost their property and precious human lives. He appealed to both the Governments of India and Pakistan to exercise restraint and let peace prevail. He said that opening of border will end hostilities and encourage people to people connectivity.

. (Arun Gupta)
Secretary General

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 09th October 2015

A press conference was organized at Chamber House today to express the concern of Chamber of Commerce & Industry regarding Regional Discrimination with Jammu and Ladakh , Slow progress on sanctioned tourism related projects, Non Maintenance of Roads in Jammu, Harassment of business community by the Commercial taxes department and Failure of the state government to finalize Ease to do business norms.

The Chamber President Sh. Rakesh Gupta while addressing the press cautioned The Government of India to make the bifurcation in the proposed central assistance package of seventy thousand crores and make it clear as to what amount in the package is meant to rehabilitate THE REFUGEES OF 1947 , 1965 , 1971 , THE BORDER FIRING VICTIMS IN JAMMU PROVINCE , what amount for supporting the INDUSTRIES IN JAMMU and what amount to compensate the TOURISM RELATED BUSINESS PEOPLE including Hotels and Taxi Operators who are running into losses and what amount for flood related losses.

The Chamber President strongly opposed the discrimination by the JKTDC neglecting the name of Ladakh and Jammu in the electronic advertisement being run on National Channels which only reflects “Kashmir Calling” which should have been “Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh Calling”. The Chamber President further advised the JKTDC to make an advertisement to promote Religious & Suchetgarh in Border Tourism and showcase Mata Vaisho Devi Shrine , Shadara Shariff , Kailash Yatra , Budhha Amarnath in Jammu Province and Shri Baba Amarnath in Kashmir.

Jenab Mufti Mohd. Sayeed, Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K has announced in a Press Conference that Jammu will be developed as a Tourist circuit but nothing has been done on ground in this regard till date.

The Chamber strongly protested that the sanctioned tourism related projects like Gandola , Artificial Lake , Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex , Patnitop Rope way, Bus Stand and other such projects mainly funded by the GOI have still not seen the light of the day due to total inefficiency of the state government resulting in drop of tourist inflow to Jammu.

The Chamber questioned the R&B department as to why the roads in Jammu were not being maintained and where was the allocation of money meant for this purpose being spent. The non maintenance of Roads in Jammu city has resulted in traffic jamming and damage to all commercial and non commercial vehicles.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry cautioned the department of Commercial taxes not to harass the business community in Jammu who are honest tax payers during the festival season. The Chamber advises the department to introspect their wing at Lakhanpur responsible for any evasion of taxes and allowing some people to import goods without entering them in records for best reasons know to them and Chamber is always against such people involved in or facilitating such acts resulting in loss of economy to the state.

The Chamber also questioned the Department of Industries on being ranked at the 29th position out of 32 states in India scoring just 5.93% as per the assessment recorded by the World Bank on EASE TO DO BUSINESS. The inefficiency of the department and rampant corruption has brought disgrace to the state as a whole.

Other office bearers of Chamber of Commerce & Industry present in the Press Conference include Sh. Sham Lal Langer, Sr. Vice President, Sh. Deepak Aggarwal, Jr. Vice President, Sh. Arun Gupta, Secretary General and Sh. Ashu Gupta, Treasurer.

. (Arun Gupta)
Secretary General

CCJ/15/2015 Press Note 2nd October 2015

Railways

That, it has been a long pending demand to upgrade and modernize the Railway Station at Jammu. In this regard we would like to request the creation of additional three railway tracks as the space is very much available and just needs planning. That, there are no provisions available for the people to reach the platform comfortably in the absence of any escalators. This causes great hardship to the passengers especially the aged and the handicapped people. That, we would also request your goodselves for getting approved and create an additional entrance from the back side of the existing railway statio