Jammu, January 25 (KNO) : CPI (M) Leader and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has said that industry in Jammu and Kashmir has failed to achieve any growth over the years despite government providing huge incentive packages.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly in Jammu on Tuesday, he said though successive governments tried their best to invite private capital/investment in the state but till date no substantial investment has been made on ground. Government of India run undertakings in Kashmir, including HMT have already been closed down.
Packages of incentives to private investors, particularly in Jammu have been given from time to time but despite these incentives no progress has been made substantially for the growth of industry. He said the only hope left is to encourage small scale units, marginalized enterprises and handicrafts, as these can generate employment. For that substantial incentives need to be provided to them by the government particularly by way of reduced power fee structures.
Unemployment is the biggest issue faced by the state which needs a major thrust from the Government. And for that, the focus of development must be the provision of jobs to the educated unemployed youth.
Raising the issue of artisans, he said, their condition is pathetic and Finance Minister needs to take a lead in the matter by considering the imposition of cess and creation of welfare board for the artisans on the pattern of construction workers.
These artisans, most of whom hail from downtown Srinagar, Budgam,Ganderbal, Kulgam, are well versed in traditional crafts including weaving, embroidery, papier-mâché and wood carving. These traditional skills are part and parcel of unique culture of Kashmiryat.
The CPI (M) MLA also raised the issue of Casual Workers of Kalakote mines and said that they need to be regularized as they work under harsh conditions inside the mines.
He said the government must take into consideration the environmental concerns while permitting installation of an industrial unit in the state. Government should also provide substantial portion of employment to the local youth.(KNO)