Srinagar, Nov 18 (KNS): The government has asked the investors in Jammu and Kashmir to take all benefits from the logistic policy. JK government had framed a first ever Logistics Policy here to provide cost effective and timely logistical support to the companies in a bid to reduce the operational cost and boost the exports.
The government sources told KNS that Jammu and Kashmir government is expecting outside companies to make investments in Jammu and Kashmir following abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. The Centre on August 5 abrogated Article 370 and 35A saying it would help the JK economy to grow and outside companies will start companies here and provide employment to the unemployed youth.
Logistics Policy 2019-29’ envisages providing the government, on-government and trading commerce agencies operating in Jammu and Kashmir “with professional, cost effective and timely logistics support services in the areas of procurement and supplies, transport operation and management to enable them to provide better service to the general public”.
“Provide logistics in a responsive and responsible manner to enable the seekers to obtain the services they require in time and with value for money. Review regularly the way and cost effectiveness of delivering our services so that they adopt the industries' best practices and advances in technology while remaining competitive amongst those being provided in the market,” the draft of the policy reads.
“Improve continuously performance in respect of environmental protection in the delivery of services, and provide a healthy and safe working environment to the people engaged in the field of logistics industry,” it adds.
The logistics cost in Jammu and Kashmir is 10 to 15% higher than the national average owing to the rugged and treacherous terrain. In February, 2017, J&K government, Government of Dubai and the global trade enablers DP-World entered into MoU at World Government Summit held at Dubai (U.A.E) to explore opportunities to develop trade infrastructure in the Jammu and Kashmir. The Government as per the draft intends to improve basic infrastructure and civic amenities at the major loading and unloading points, warehouses and overnight parking lots for the goods carriers.
The policy also recommends improving performance in respect of environmental protection in the delivery of services, and provides a healthy and safe working environment to the people engaged in the field of logistics industry.
“Clearances required for setting up of logistic-park to be given through single window clearance system, identification of new sandbank for logistics parks,” it reads.
It has also proposed for setting up a dedicated logistic and warehousing facilitation cell which will act as a converging body to monitor the progress of logistics and warehousing in the state. It recommends that a special task force shall also be constituted for ensuring an overall orderly development of logistics. “The task force shall be responsible for creation and implementation of logistics master plan with a dedicated road map for Pathankot-Jammu-Srinagar-Uri, National Highway. The task force shall be serviced by Industries and Commerce Department and shall be provided with a statutory backing,” the policy adds. (KNS)