Vikram Malhotra seeks removal of restrictions on business activities in J&K  

JAMMU, July 03, 2021: Apni Party General Secretary Vikram Malhotra today demanded revocation of restrictions on the operations of business in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement issued here to the press, Vikram Malhotra said that the business establishments have suffered worsley due to covid19 lockdown and appreciated the administration for permitting opening of the financial activities.

Malhotra was speaking at a function organised here at ward number 6 near Vivekananda Chowk in Jammu City by the Apni Trade Union.

He, however, expressed surprise over the continuation of restrictions on the restaurants and banquets etc., in J&K which has affected them badly and unemployed people who were associated with the trade.

“The discriminatory decision to continue restriction should be revoked and they should be permitted to open their business outlets with 50% sitting capacity,” he said.

He said that the covid guidelines should be followed by the people, but the restrictions which are unjustified should be removed. When Punjab and Himachal Pradesh could allow the restaurants with certain conditions, he said, the J&K Govt. should have no objection to it.

He also raised the issue of unscheduled power cuts in the skin scratching weather conditions in Jammu. “The power curtailment in parts of Jammu has affected normal life. The electricity must be provided 24/7 to the people during the summers and they should not be forced to bear the consequences of PDD’s failure to provide electricity,” he added.

He said that the price of essential commodities has become a serious concern for the people as it has over burdened them financially. “The earning power has reduced, and the cost of essential commodities has increased,” he added.

Meanwhile, Apni Party Provincial President, Jammu, Manjit Singh appreciated the Apni Trade Union for organizing the function to felicitate the newly appointed Provincial President of Apni Trade and Commerce Union, Raj Sharma.

In this function, Dr Bodh Raj Baghuwansi among 22 other people, and a BJP leader Amarjeet joined the Apni Party.

Lauding the efforts of Apni Trade Union and welcoming the newcomers into the party, Manjit Singh said that the traders, industrial sector, and industrial labourers, vegetable, fruit vendors have suffered during the covid19 period in J&K.

“The Govt. should provide them financial support and compensation for the losses, they have suffered during the lockdown period,” he demanded and said that the Industrial sector needs to have a policy to revamp the old tradition of contractual labourers to ensure jobs security to the people working in the industrial units across J&K.

He said that the contractual workers in industries have no job security nor do they have any proper salary due to which they face financial crises and there are no defined working hours. “The Govt. should come out with a defined working hours and make sure that the contract system is eradicated for the worker’s job security and to improve their financial situation,” he said.

He said that industrial workers are the backbone of industries and social and financial rights should be protected by the Govt.

Meanwhile, Apni Trade Union President, Ajaz Kazmi, while speaking on the occasion, expressed his serious concern over the end of darbar move. “The decision would have adverse effects on the business of Jammu. The business community in Jammu has remained a victim of policies without consulting them. There is anger among the business community,” he said.

He said that the Govt. should have consulted the traders before taking such a decision which would have adverse financial implications on the traders of Jammu.

Provincial Secretary, Dr Rohit Gupta, Ex-MLA Faqir Nath, SC State Coordinator, Bodh Raj Bhagat, District President, Jammu, Apni Trade Union Anirudh Vasist, District President, Youth, Shivam Choudhary Shanker Singh Chib, and others.