Day: November 27, 2024

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Budget 2024: What J&K’s Traders Expect Insights by Mohammad Altaf Dar, President, Jammu and Kashmir Business Confederation (JKBC)

SRINAGAR NOV 27:– In the wake of the Budget 2024-25, Mohammad Altaf Dar, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Business Confederation (JKBC), has called for targeted measures to address the pressing challenges of J&K’s trading and business community.

Altaf Dar acknowledged the government’s intent to drive economic growth but stressed that the region’s unique socio-economic dynamics require customized solutions to foster sustainable development. Speaking on behalf of the traders, he outlined the following key expectations:

As GST Simplification – Streamlining GST compliance and introducing lower tax slabs for SMEs to reduce operational bottlenecks, thereby encouraging entrepreneurial growth.

Tax and Financial Relief – Implementation of tax rebates and financial incentives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help businesses recover from pandemic-induced setbacks and inflationary trends.

Infrastructure Development – Investment in improving transport connectivity, building logistics hubs, and establishing cold storage chains to enhance trade efficiency in the region.

Tourism Sector Boost – Allocation of special grants and packages to revive J&K’s tourism industry, ensuring job creation and improved livelihoods for those dependent on this vital sector.

Access to Affordable Finance – Availability of low-interest loans, flexible repayment options, and financial support for renewable energy initiatives to reduce overhead costs and promote sustainability.

President JKBC -Jammu And Kashmir Business Confederation also emphasized the importance of inclusive growth through skill development programs, empowering local entrepreneurs to compete in the global market. He urged the administration to engage with local business leaders in designing policies that reflect the ground realities of J&K’s economy.

“Budget 2024 must not only aim at recovery but also lay a foundation for resilience and long-term growth,” said Mohammad Altaf Dar, reinforcing his dedication to advocating for the welfare of J&K’s traders and manufacturers.

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SRINAGAR NOV 27:-Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir kick started one-week long training Programme on “Cultivating Forestry Student Competence: Wicker Willow Skill Development Initiative” under MSME at Faculty of Forestry Benhama, Ganderbal
Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry at the Faculty of Forestry in Benhama Watlar Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, launched a one-week training program Entitled “Cultivating Forestry Student Competence: Wicker Willow Skill Development Initiative”. This program is scheduled to run from November 27th Nov. to 03rd Dec. 2024, at Faculty of Forestry in Ganderbal.

The inaugural event commenced with a welcoming address by Dr. G.M. Bhat, who serves as the Professor and Head of Silviculture and Agroforestry. During his speech, Dr. Bhat emphasized the importance of encouraging participants to become job providers rather than job seekers, given the government’s limitations in providing jobs for all educated youth.

Dr. Megna Rashid, the Program Coordinator, shed light on various aspects of the training program and provided a comprehensive overview of the training program and highlighted the significance of entrepreneurship programs in fostering self-sustaining livelihoods. She discussed the program’s design, emphasizing its focus on providing hands-on training to the participants.

The inaugural event was attended by teaching and non-teaching staff of the Faculty of Forestry, as well as 25 participants. Prominent figures present at the event included Prof. P.A. Khan, the Head of the Division of Forest Biology & Tree Improvement (FBT); Prof. A.A. Wani, Head of the Department of Natural Resource Management (NRM); Prof. M.A. Islam; Dr. N.A. Pala; Dr. Vaishnu Dutt; Dr. T.A. Rather; Dr. M. Maqbool Rather; Dr. Aasif Ali Gatoo; Dr M Iqbal Jeelani and other faculty members were also present.

The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. M. Maqbool Rather, Assistant Professor, Division of FBT. Finally, Dr. Megna Rashid, the coordinator, expressed gratitude for the support and efforts of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. N.A Ganie and Director Planning and Monitoring Prof. H. R. Naik, as well as Dean Faculty of Forestry, Prof. S. A. Gangoo. The coordinator also extended her appreciation to the sponsoring agency, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government of India, based in New Delhi.

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SRINAGAR NOV 27:-Social activist Hakim Suhail Abbas Kashmiri has expressed grave concern over the rising number of accidents in Shalteng, HMT, and Lawaypora, attributing the issues to dangerous driving practices such as wrong-way driving, improper U-turns, and vehicles suddenly changing lanes to enter village lanes from highways. These hazardous practices have resulted in increased road mishaps, putting public safety at significant risk.

Regional Transport Officer Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari acknowledged these concerns, stating, “There are issues caused by local pressures, such as U-turns in unusual spots and wrong entry points from colonies. These need to be rectified. We must prioritize collective safety over individual convenience.” He assured that corrective measures would be implemented promptly to address these traffic hazards.

Supporting Bukhari’s call for action, Hakim Suhail emphasized the need for additional Traffic Police personnel at key locations to enforce stricter traffic regulations. He also suggested better road infrastructure, such as clear signage, designated entry points, and barriers to prevent wrong-way driving. Furthermore, Hakim urged for public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers of unsafe driving and the importance of following traffic rules.

“These areas have become high-risk zones, and it is crucial that immediate action is taken to reduce accidents and safeguard lives. We must work collectively to create safer roads for everyone,” Hakim Suhail concluded.

The statement calls for swift action from both the authorities and the public to address these issues and improve road safety in these accident-prone areas.