JAMMU, Sep 17: The BJP Industries Cell, Jammu & Kashmir, organised the “Government Contractors’ Meet” at Kaffberry, Bahu Plaza, bringing together government contractors, industrial representatives and party functionaries to discuss infrastructure development and challenges facing the contracting community.
The principal demand was for a clear, transparent policy allowing contractor cards to be transferred or continued within blood relations or in favour of eligible legal heirs, subject to prescribed technical qualifications and safeguards. Participants said the absence of such a policy disrupts businesses and livelihoods in cases of death, illness or incapacity of the registered contractor.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh highlighted the BJP’s historic contribution to Jammu and Kashmir, from the Praja Parishad movement and its struggle for complete national integration to its efforts for equal rights and balanced regional development.
He said that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed significant progress in governance, infrastructure and national integration. He cited AIIMS Jammu, IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu, along with investments in highways, bridges, tunnels, rail connectivity, industrial estates, healthcare and civic infrastructure, saying these initiatives had created new opportunities and strengthened Jammu’s economic and institutional position.
Ved Raj Sharma, All Cells Incharge, BJP J&K, said the party’s cells serve as bridges between the organisation and their respective sections of society. They engage stakeholders, identify sector-specific concerns, communicate government initiatives and provide feedback for policy intervention. He appreciated the Industries Cell for bringing contractors together for meaningful dialogue.
Senior industrialist Rajesh Jain highlighted the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which supports traditional artisans through recognition, skill development, modern tools, credit and market access. He also discussed the New Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu and Kashmir, 2021, offering capital investment, interest and GST-linked incentives.
Jain cited the Shahpur Kandi project, expansion of the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, road and tunnel improvements, rail connectivity to Kashmir and other major infrastructure projects as evidence of development under the Modi government.
Narinder Gupta (Bitta), President, Contractors Association, raised concerns over prolonged delays in departmental payments, which affect working capital, labour payments and project completion. He also questioned the repeated submission of similar documents and multiple compliances required for annual contractor-card renewals.
Addressing the gathering, Adv Deepak Gupta, State Convener, BJP Industries Cell J&K, outlined the Cell’s work across manufacturing, MSMEs, industrial estates, infrastructure and government contracting. He described contractors as essential partners in developing roads, bridges, public buildings and other infrastructure.
“Government contractors are carrying the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the ground. Their work is directly contributing to the mission of building a Viksit Jammu and Kashmir and a Viksit Bharat. It is our responsibility to understand their concerns and take them to the appropriate organisational and governmental platforms,” Gupta said.
Those present included contractors Akhil Sharma and Vinayak Magotra, State Executive Members of the BJP Industries Cell, and Rachit Khosla, Rajinder Sadotra and Munish Aul, State Co-Conveners.
The meeting concluded with a decision to submit a structured representation seeking timely payments, simplified contractor-card renewals and a succession or transfer policy within blood relations.