Draft Tourism Trade Rules Face Backlash: Stakeholders Slam ‘Exorbitant’ Fees Srinagar, Aug 7: The tourism industry in Kashmir is up in arms following the administration’s notification of draft Tourism Trade Rules. The proposed regulations, which detail new registration and renewal fees for a wide range of tourism-related businesses, have sparked intense criticism from industry stakeholders. At the heart of the controversy are two key issues – a substantial hike in fees across various categories of establishments and the continuation of a two-year renewal policy, despite longstanding demands for a one-time registration…
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Business
Kashmir Trade Alliance Calls for Financial Stimulus: GST Amnesty in Focus
Kashmir Traders Body Urges GST Amnesty In Budget Srinagar: The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has called for a financial stimulus package for Jammu and Kashmir in the upcoming Union budget. The annual budget is set to be presented in Parliament next week. KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar expressed high expectations from the budget, citing the challenging economic conditions in the region. “Our businesses are facing tough times, and there’s a slump in the market. Post-COVID, apart from tourism, all sectors of Kashmir’s economy are suffering,” Shahdhar stated. “We also seek amnesty…
Read MoreBoosting Business in J&K: Government Approves Land Transfer and New Business Rules
New industrial estates to come up in Anantnag, Shopian, Budgam MHA notifies amended Business Rules of J&K Srinagar: In a significant move to boost industrial growth and create employment opportunities, the Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the transfer of 836 kanal 5 marla (approximately 104.5 acres) of land to the Industries and Commerce Department for the development of industrial estates in the Kashmir division. This decision, outlined in Government Order No 79-JK (Rev) of 2024 dated June 25, 2024, aims to establish industrial estates in the Anantnag, Shopian, and…
Read MoreThe Data Uprising: A Price Hike Symphony Sparks User Outrage and a Telecom Tug-of-War
From Discontent to Disruption: Can User Power Reshape India’s Telecom Landscape? By: Javid Amin India’s mobile data landscape is experiencing a seismic shift, and the tremors are shaking the very foundation of the industry. In a synchronized move, Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, the big three telecom giants, have orchestrated a wave of significant price hikes on data plans. This strategic alignment has ignited a firestorm of user frustration, playing out on social media platforms like a digital protest symphony. Hashtags like “#JioBoycott” and “#AirtelThanksButNoThanks” blare like angry…
Read MoreFrom Conflict to Collaboration: Investors Flock to J&K’s Booming Landscape
Beyond the Beauty: Jammu and Kashmir’s Economic Renaissance Begins By: Javid Amin A Fresh Narrative Emerges For decades, the narrative surrounding Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was often dominated by headlines about conflict and instability. However, a new chapter is unfolding, one etched with stories of opportunity, economic growth, and a resurgent spirit. This transformation is evident in the unprecedented land rush currently sweeping J&K, with a diverse range of investors vying for a stake in the Union Territory’s promising future. A Gateway for Diverse Investments The sheer number of applications…
Read MoreGurez on Edge: Proposed Firing Range Raises Concerns for Tourism and Ecology
Gurez on the Brink: Proposed Firing Range Sparks Outrage in Kashmir’s Tourism Paradise By: Javid Amin Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, Gurez Valley in North Kashmir has blossomed into a haven for tourists seeking pristine beauty and serenity. However, a dark cloud looms over this paradise. A proposed firing range by the Army at Butmalai, close to the Line of Control (LoC), has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising serious concerns about the future of tourism and the fragile ecosystem. A Valley on the Rise: Just a few years…
Read MoreJio-Airtel Price Hike: Will Uncle Sam Step In? Centre Says ‘Not Critical’
The tariffs in India are still among the cheapest in the world and authorities want the companies to ramp up their focus on quality of services. The government and the telecom regulator will not interfere or stop telecom companies from increasing prices, officials in the know told Economic Times. The tariffs in India are still among the cheapest in the world and authorities want the companies to ramp up their focus on quality of services, the officials said as per the report. “There is enough competition in the telecom sector…
Read More‘Open Up Kashmir for Yatris’: Business Chamber Urges Wider Tourism Exposure
Kashmir Beyond the Yatra: KCCI Pushes for Tourist Experiences for Pilgrims Srinagar: In a significant meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday, Javed Tenga, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), presented a comprehensive set of suggestions aimed at ensuring a smooth Amarnath Yatra and improving the overall tourism sector in Kashmir. The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders, focused on addressing various aspects of the upcoming pilgrimage and its impact on local tourism. Tenga, representing the trade sector, emphasised Kashmir’s long-standing tradition of hospitality towards Amarnath…
Read MoreImtiyaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Vishal Bhardwaj Lead Charge for Renewed Filmmaking in Kashmir Valley
A Shot in the Arm for Kashmir: Top Bollywood Directors Champion Film Industry’s Growth Bollywood’s star movie directors on Thursday held no-holds-barred deliberations with locals about the magical reel life and sought to further strengthen the decades old relation between scenic Kashmir and the silver screen by prodding locals to enter into film-making. In a rare bid to share the knowledge of cinema at a place where movie-making almost halted in the past three decades, Bollywood directors Vishal Bharadwaj, Imtiyaz Ali, Kabir Khan, and actor Sanjay Suri made it easy…
Read MoreSrinagar Earns ‘World Craft City’ Tag, Reconnecting Globally Through Artistry
Saleem Beg, head of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage-Kashmir (INTACH-K), described the honour as “the latest recognition of the skill base of Kashmir” Srinagar has earned the World Craft City (WCC) tag from the World Crafts Council (WCC), a non-government organisation working to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage globally. This is likely to reopen Kashmir’s centuries old linkages with craft centres in Central Asia and Iran. The executive board of the WCC, in a formal communication to officials of J&K, said on Sunday that Srinagar…
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