SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) expressed its disappointment regarding the recent reconstitution of the Boards of Directors of Jammu and Kashmir Small Scale Industries Development Corporation (SICOP) and J&K State Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (SIDCO).
The reconstitution resulted in the exclusion of industrial stakeholders from the boards. Prior to 2019, it was the norm for the boards to include representatives from industrial stakeholders. However, the reconstituted boards consisted of 10 government officials each.
FCIK expressed surprise that the government issued the orders on the same day as the Chief Secretary’s call for collaboration and regular interaction between the industry and the government to address the grievances of industries in the Union Territory (UT).
FCIK claimed that it was part of the boards of all industrial-related corporations and committees since their inception, and this yielded positive results towards the development of the industrial sector.
FCIK analyzed the proposed schemes and programs of these corporations objectively and critically while being part of the boards to make them industry-friendly. FCIK expressed concern that the current setup paved the way for unilateral anti-industry decisions without opposition from any stakeholders.
FCIK observed that most of the decisions taken in the boards without any outside stakeholders resulted in the growth of stress and the debacle of the existing industry. One of the decisions taken was about collecting part premium with every change in the constitution of an industrial unit. FCIK stated that this decision was aimed at filling the coffers of corporations, ignoring the fact that these corporations were primarily for the growth and promotion of the industry.
FCIK regretted that the industries and commerce department in the UT had changed its vision and strategic planning process. Most of its efforts and time were utilized for alluring prospective enterprises, which led to the neglect of the existing industry, it said.
FCIK urged the government for effective engagement to translate stakeholder needs into industrialization goals and create the basis of strategy development of industry under the ambitious Central Sector Scheme of 2021.
FCIK hoped that the government would issue orders for the reconstitution of all industrial-related boards and committees by including members from genuine stakeholders. FCIK stated that the government should take cue from the central government departments, which work on the feedback and physical involvement of stakeholders.
FCIK hoped that the stakeholder engagement would help build involvement and confidence to have collaborative partnerships for pooling knowledge, experience, and expertise to co-create solutions for a common vision and future ambition. FCIK added that this would allow impartiality and objectivity to work while reaching a consensus. The National Board for MSMEs had only 18 official members out of 47 members on the board, the rest being from industrial associations.