PHDCCI Jammu Chapter’s 1st Executive Committee Meeting 2023-24

Interaction with Arun Manhas, Director Industry & Commerce Jammu.

JAMMU 24 November 2023: The inaugural Executive Committee Meeting of the PHDCCI Jammu Chapter for the year 2023-24 convened under the able leadership of Rahul Sahai. As the Chair of PHDCCI Jammu, Sahai welcomed the Executive Committee members and emphasized the alignment of PHD Chamber’s theme and vision with the objectives of skill development, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and fostering the growth of the industry. 

In the meeting, Rahul Sahai introduced the newly appointed Co-Chairs, Ashish Jain and Raj Dua. Additionally, two Expert Committees were formed, with the IT Committee led by Arush Mahajan and the Law & Taxation Committee headed by Shantnu Gupta. Sahai briefed the members on the accomplished activities of the PHDCCI Jammu Chapter in 2023 and shared a comprehensive list of planned initiatives for the upcoming year. He urged all members to extend their full support to the upcoming two-day National Level Programme on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) scheduled to be held in Jammu.

The executive members engaged in discussions on several critical issues during the meeting, ranging from the lack of infrastructure for new unit establishments to challenges related to land and power for industrial purposes. Concerns about the insufficient support from the government for startups, the need for local angel investors, funding challenges from banks, and the absence of local role models for startups were also deliberated upon.

Rahul Sahai reiterated PHDCCI’s commitment to addressing genuine issues and concerns of the industry and society at large. He called upon the membership to actively participate in PHDCCI activities and initiatives, stressing the importance of evolving a holistic framework for the growth and development of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Executive Committee Meeting was followed by a pivotal interaction with  Arun Manhas, the newly appointed Director of Industries & Commerce, Jammu. Rahul Sahai extended his congratulations to Arun Manhas, recognizing his leadership qualities and vast administrative experience. He expressed confidence that under Manhas’s dynamic leadership, the Industries and Commerce Department of Jammu would reach new heights in terms of industrialization and problem-solving for industries in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Sahai underscored the significant role played by Micro, Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in industrial activities, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need to empower this sector, given that a large section of industries in the region falls under the MSME category.

During the interaction, Manhas patiently listened to the concerns raised by the Executive Committee members. Various issues were discussed, including challenges with industrial land development, fund sanctioning by banks, power supply issues, tendering processes for startups, incentives for local angel investors, and extension of provisional registration. Additionally, concerns about the Gem portal debarring locals in local tenders, the absence of price preference for locals, and prolonged registration processes were addressed. The discussion also encompassed issues related to industry-institution linkage and skill development.

Arun Manhas assured the members of his commitment to resolving these issues, pledging to take up important matters with the higher authorities of the department. The interaction underscored the collaborative efforts between the private sector and government authorities, essential for the sustainable development of the industrial landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)