The package, distinct from the Rs 1.4 billion central assistance under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, comes with supplements such as a 50% exemption from fixed charges for electricity and water for industrial and commercial consumers up to one year and exemption from stamp duty for borrowers through March 2021.
The Center is working on a separate structured package for shippers, drivers, car operators, houseboats and shikarawallahs “who have suffered from one or the other in the last 20 years,” Sinha said.
“This is just the beginning. There is much more to come. Overall, this economic package is historic in terms of volume and scope. I can see that the people of Kashmir are eager to contribute to the growth of the UT as they are fed up. of border terrorism sponsored by our neighbor. ”
The Center is also working on a new industrial policy for the UT.
“On August 18 of this year, I met with almost 35 delegations from various sectors, after which a committee headed by my adviser KK Sharma was formed. I am glad that the committee has presented its report within a specified period,” said the lieutenant governor. . “The economic package will act mainly as a lifeline for entities in difficulty and the self-employed in the tourism and transport sectors, in addition to helping to offset the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic and the delicate security scenario of the last 15-20 years”.
A spokesperson for the UT administration said Sinha’s announcements were an extension of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clarified in his Independence Day speech on J & K’s “vikas yatra (development trip)” since became UT.
In breaking down the package, the official said that the main component was a 5% interest subsidy for all borrowers, regardless of the size of their loans. “The interest grant will be available for six months of the current financial year to provide much-needed relief to those affected by the Covid 19 pandemic.”
Assistance to houseboat owners and carriers would consist of facilitating the replacement of old and safe vehicles. “We have also decided to extend a helping hand to shikarawalas, tour guides, pithuwallas and ponywallas. Taking note of the difficulties they have faced in recent years, we have agreed to provide an outstanding interest subsidy with respect to the 2014 and 2016 restructured accounts, “the government spokesperson said.
A specific domain working group for eight sectors has been formed for the efficient and rapid implementation of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The goal is to help not only migrants and the homeless, but also businesses and other businesses to rebuild and emerge from the crisis, the spokesperson said.
“The green shoots are visible and I am confident that with this package, we will be able to take J&K beyond the current crisis,” LG Sinha told Raj Bhavan press.
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