Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Provincial Traders Conference organized at the Government Medical College Auditorium in Haldwani on Friday by lighting the lamp. On this occasion, the Chief Minister made eight important announcements related to the interests of traders. He said that the business class is the backbone of the state's economy. Protecting the safety, respect and interests of traders is the priority of the state government.
Addressing the traders from across the state, the Chief Minister said that traders are not limited to just buying and selling goods, but also play an important role in employment generation, boosting the local economy and economic progress of the state. From big industries to small shopkeepers, every businessman is contributing to the development of the state. Even in challenging circumstances like Covid-19, traders fulfilled their responsibility towards the society by ensuring the supply of essential commodities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government considers businessmen not just as tax payers but as important partners in development. The government's effort is to provide a fear-free, secure and transparent environment to the traders and they do not have to go through unnecessary procedures and offices. Special attention is being paid to timely resolution of traders' problems and continuous communication with them.
Chief Minister made eight important announcements related to business interests
1. Necessary action will be taken to provide appropriate relief as per rules to the traders affected by natural disaster or other calamities.
2. To establish better communication with traders and solve their problems, Udyog Mitra Committees will be reconstituted and regular meetings will be organized at the state and district level.
3. Information related to accident insurance of GST registered traders will be widely disseminated, so that the dependents of eligible traders can complete the insurance claim process on time.
4. To encourage tourism business, the registration process will be simplified and a single window system will be implemented.
5. Homestay facilities will be expanded in tourism dominated areas and district headquarters, so that local people can get opportunities for self-employment and additional income.
6. Parking arrangements will be developed at necessary places on the Chardham Yatra route, so that passengers and businessmen can get convenience.
7. Construction and repair of roads and drains in markets connected to national highways, state routes and other major routes will be done on priority.
8. Workers registered with the Labor Department working in commercial establishments will be provided the benefits of the schemes and facilities of the Workers Welfare Board.
Simplification of procedures to promote trade and investment
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, business, entrepreneurship, digital transactions and financial inclusion have been promoted in the country. Processes related to trade and investment are also being simplified in Uttarakhand. More than 206 services of 26 major departments are available online through a single window system. 'Nivesh Mitra' system has been made to solve the problems of investors and entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister said that to encourage startups and innovation in the state, Uttarakhand Startup Policy and a venture fund of Rs 200 crore have been made. The government is not limiting industrial development only to the plains but is working to increase entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in the hilly areas also. Land has been identified for special industrial parks with the aim of promoting small industries in Chamoli, Pauri and Almora.
The Chief Minister said that local trade, tourism, small scale industries and self-employment have an important role in strengthening the economy of Uttarakhand. The government is trying to ensure that the traders of the state get opportunities to establish their identity in the local markets as well as in the national and international markets. He said that continuous work is being done towards making Uttarakhand a major center of economic power along with spiritual power.
Calling upon the businessmen to take active part in the development of the state, the Chief Minister said that with their cooperation the resolve of a developed, self-reliant and economically strong Uttarakhand will be realized. On this occasion, the Chief Minister released the souvenir of the Provincial Industry Trade Delegation and honored the representatives of various units of the trade delegation.
These people participated in the program
On this occasion, MP Ajay Bhatt, Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida, MLA Banshidhar Bhagat and Mati Sarita Arya, Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht, State President of Provincial Industry Trade Delegation Naveen Verma, State General Secretary Prakash Mishra, BJP District President Pratap Bisht, Minister of State Dr. Anil Kapoor Dabbu, District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr. Manjunath TC, Chief Development Officer Arvind Kumar. Pandey, Additional District Magistrate Vivek Rai and officials of business organizations and other dignitaries were present.