JAMMU: A delegation of The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), J&K Chapter, today called on Dr. Arun Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu, to discuss measures aimed at improving the business environment and commercial growth in the Jammu region.
The delegation was led by Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, along with Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman. Bhisham Batra, Kshitij Agarwal, and Amit Khajuria also participated in the meeting.
During the interaction, the delegation highlighted the ongoing slowdown in commercial activities in Jammu, attributing it to geographical limitations, being a landlocked region, and restricted expansion opportunities. They emphasized the need for focused policy interventions to revitalize the local economy and support existing industrial units.
“Jammu requires policy support to counter the slowdown in business. We recommend that the government initiate steps such as a freight subsidy to safeguard and sustain the existing industrial base,”
— Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council
ASSOCHAM submitted a detailed memorandum featuring key recommendations, including:
• Simplifying the Change of Land Use (CLU) procedure
• Establishment of additional warehousing facilities
• Introduction of freight subsidies for industry
• Conversion of leasehold to freehold properties
• Promotion of commercial and infrastructure projects under the J&K Industrial Incentive framework
Dr. Manhas gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that the concerns raised would be appropriately examined. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening, expanding, and safeguarding businesses and industries in the Jammu region.
