Kashmir Chamber Highlights Unemployment, Handicrafts Crisis, and Tourism Issues at Budget Discussion in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) participated in the ‘Budget Pe Charcha 2025’ in Srinagar today, engaging in discussions with Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, on the recently announced Union Budget and its economic vision for India.

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry elected its new leadership on February 22, 2023.

The KCCI delegation, led by Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi and Joint Secretary General Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal, welcomed the budget’s provisions for agriculture, infrastructure, and income tax exemptions, which they said would benefit the middle-income group and stimulate economic activity. However, they voiced concern over the absence of a special financial package for Jammu and Kashmir.

A key issue raised by KCCI was the region’s high unemployment rate, which, according to the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, stands at 32.8 per cent, among the highest in the country. The delegation urged the Central government to introduce targeted schemes to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the youth.

The declining state of Kashmir’s traditional handicraft industry was another pressing concern. KCCI called for improved marketing platforms at national and international levels to support the sector, which plays a vital role in the region’s economy and cultural heritage. They also stressed the need for dedicated programmes to promote entrepreneurship, IT startups, skill development, and agricultural innovations, with special attention to women entrepreneurs.

Infrastructure and tourism development were also discussed, with KCCI calling for the operation of international flights, the upgradation of Srinagar Airport, and the promotion of tourist destinations. The delegation urged the government to address environmental and waste management challenges through sustainable practices and investments in conservation efforts.

The loss of open spaces in urban areas and the rising rates of drug addiction among the youth were highlighted as serious social concerns. The delegation also spoke on the need for improvements in the health and education sectors and proposed measures for women’s development and empowerment.

Responding to the concerns, Rijiju assured that the budget remains flexible and responsive to public needs and that all suggestions would be given due consideration. KCCI acknowledged that many of the issues raised fall within the jurisdiction of the Jammu and Kashmir administration but emphasised that their appeal was for the Central government to extend generous funding to address these challenges.

The delegation thanked the minister for an open and constructive dialogue and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s vision of a US $5 trillion economy while advocating for the region’s specific economic and social needs.

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