Srinagar, October 6 (KNS): Jammu & Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF) and Jammu & Kashmir Pensioners United Front (JKPUF), under the chairmanship of Abdul Qayoom Wani, have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene immediately and announce a comprehensive financial relief package for distressed youth entrepreneurs, businessmen, and fruit growers across the Union Territory.
Wani expressed serious concern over the worsening financial condition of those engaged in tourism, trade, and horticulture, saying that the sectors—once considered the backbone of J&K’s economy—continue to face repeated setbacks due to unstable market conditions, climatic adversities, and disrupted business cycles. He said many fruit growers, who had availed Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans and other financial assistance, are battling unsold stock, price crashes, and high logistics costs, pushing them into acute financial distress.
“The situation has reached a point where both sectors—tourism and horticulture—are struggling even to pay the interest component of their loans,” Wani said. “It is the moral and administrative responsibility of the government to come forward with immediate relief measures before the crisis turns unmanageable.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
The two organisations urged the LG and CM to consider a comprehensive package that includes a one-year moratorium on loan repayments, a complete interest waiver for at least one financial year, and restructuring of KCC loans to revive agriculture and horticulture. They also sought special revival and rehabilitation assistance for tourism-based units severely hit by low incomes and weak market responses.
Wani emphasised that timely intervention by the LG and CM could prevent further economic collapse and restore the confidence of the younger generation who turned to self-employment with hope and determination. “Our youth and growers need encouragement and relief, not pressure and penalties from banks,” he remarked.
The JKCSF and JKPUF further appealed to banking institutions to adopt a humane and flexible approach while dealing with distressed borrowers until a formal government policy is announced. The statement concluded with a strong appeal to policymakers, trade bodies, and civil society organisations to support struggling families and safeguard the economic and social stability of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)