JKHARA delegation meets Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma, discuss tourism revival and key reforms

• President Babar Chowdhary seek urgent government intervention for streamlined tourism and hospitality operations
• Minister Satish Sharma pledges support for JKHARA's push for tourism and hospitality industry reforms

SRINAGAR: A delegation from the Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA), led by its President Babar Chowdhary, held an important meeting with Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. Minister Sharma oversees several key departments, including Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Information Technology and ARI & Training. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by the hotel and restaurant industry in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in relation to tourism revival, operational hurdles and necessary reforms in the sector.

The delegation raised concerns about the hurdles and delays created by the Department, which they argued are impeding the growth of existing hotels and restaurants. They highlighted the time-consuming and repetitive processes involved in renewing licenses, including excessive formalities, unnecessary documentation, and annual demands for No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and affidavits from judicial magistrates.

President Babar Chowdhary emphasized the need for streamlined procedures to facilitate ease of doing business, thereby reducing the financial burden on hotel and restaurant owners. "We are particularly concerned about the delays in renewals and the increasing formalities, which are causing unnecessary financial strain. We urge immediate intervention for a quicker and more efficient process," said Chowdhary.

Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma assured the delegation that their grievances would be taken seriously and that a resolution was on the horizon. He reaffirmed the Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to supporting private businesses, especially those that create employment opportunities for the youth of the region. "Our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is dedicated to easing the challenges faced by Business, Tourism and Various Sectors. I assure you that your concerns will be addressed," said Sharma.

Sharma further elaborated on the government's plans to generate employment, including the establishment of two IT parks—one in Srinagar and another in Jammu—which are expected to provide employment to thousands of young degree holders in the region. "Our youth have immense potential, and we are working on providing platforms for them to excel," he added.

Key Proposals and Concerns from the Delegation, Senior Vice President Dr. Lateef Ahmad Lone, stressed the difficulties faced by long-established hotels, restaurants and guesthouses. He called for the restoration of simpler registration and renewal processes based on previous norms. Dr. Lone also advocated for easier obtaining NOCs, highlighting the importance of facilitating smooth operations for the hospitality sector.

Sheikh Imran, Junior Vice President, emphasized the urgent need to simplify the tourism sector's renewal process, calling for the elimination of burdensome requirements like NOCs and affidavits, which only delay progress and add financial pressure on local hotel and restaurant owners. He underscored that such reforms are critical for revitalizing the tourism industry and boosting confidence in Jammu and Kashmir as a premier destination.

He also addressed the issue of monopoly at Srinagar Airport, urging Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma to create a competitive environment that improves services for both tourists and local travelers. The current high criteria for airport bids have excluded local businesses, leaving them unable to compete. Imran called for a more inclusive, accessible bidding process to ensure fair opportunities for local participation. Satish Sharma has committed to taking this issue up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airport Authority of India for a thorough review and redressal, aiming to make the process more inclusive and accessible for local participants.

Secretary General, Ayesha Saleem, proposed the creation of affordable, tent-based accommodation options at various tourist destinations to cater to budget tourists. She also recommended that the Tourism Department should make an official festival calendar to encourage year-round tourism. Minister Sharma supported this initiative, acknowledging its potential to boost tourism by providing more organized events for visitors to enjoy.

Cabinet Minister Satish Sharma concluded the meeting by reiterating his commitment to resolving the sector's concerns. He promised to engage with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other stakeholders to expedite the resolution of the issues discussed.

Sharma expressed his appreciation for the tourism and hospitality industry’s contribution to the local economy, particularly in providing employment to the youth. He assured the delegation that their suggestions for reform would be thoroughly evaluated, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more conducive environment for the growth of tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

The JKHARA delegation expressed gratitude to Minister Satish Sharma for his time and attention, particularly during the challenging winter season. The meeting was seen as a positive step towards addressing the long-standing issues faced by the hospitality sector and strengthening the tourism sector and revival in Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegation looks forward to working closely with the government in the coming time to ensure that the region’s tourism industry can thrive, offering sustainable employment opportunities and creating a better experience for both local businesses and visitors.