Targets NC Govt over unfulfilled development promises in Jammu
SRINAGAR, Sep 22: MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi on Tuesday raised several public and development-related issues concerning Jammu during the ongoing autumn session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Srinagar, calling for greater attention to commitments made for the Jammu region and the concerns of the hospitality sector.
Speaking in the Assembly, Sethi questioned the progress of development projects announced for Sidhra and the Jammu East area. He said the National Conference government had spoken about developing a convention centre and water body at Sidhra, besides establishing a vertical lift connecting Peer Kho with Mubarak Mandi.
Sethi questioned why, despite the passage of nearly two years, no substantial progress had been made on these projects. He sought clarity from the government on the status of the proposals and urged that projects having direct relevance to tourism, connectivity and local development should be taken forward within a defined timeframe.
He also raised the issue of hotel room tariffs and the financial burden being faced by the hotel industry in Jammu.
Referring to an arrangement dating back to 2015 involving Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters and local hotel associations, Sethi said the room tariff for bulk government and police bookings had been revised by 15 per cent. He pointed out that the tariff had not subsequently been revised despite rising operational costs and changes in taxation.
Sethi said hotels continued to bear the burden of 5 per cent GST in such cases, describing the situation as an additional financial pressure on the hospitality industry.
Calling for policy intervention, Sethi urged the government to consider one-time registration for hotels and the hospitality industry, along with measures to provide electricity connections at subsidised rates.
He said the hospitality sector plays an important role in Jammu’s tourism economy and requires a supportive policy framework to remain sustainable.
Sethi also stressed the need for the government to address practical issues raised by businesses and residents rather than limiting discussions to announcements.
He urged the NC Government to establish clear timelines for pending development projects and introduce measures that can reduce the operational burden on the hotel industry.
The issues raised by the MLA focused on infrastructure development, tourism promotion, connectivity and support for local businesses in Jammu East and the wider Jammu region.