SRINAGAR, JANUARY 03: 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. 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. 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.
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 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.
Secretary General, Ayesha Saleem, proposed the creation of affordable, tent-based accommodation options at various tourist destinations to cater to budget tourists. 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 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.