SERF presents memorandum to PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday assured the business fraternity in Kashmir of Centre’s “assistance” for rebuilding economy of the state which has been shattered by the devastating floods last month.
The Prime Minister met members from various organizations including business chambers, tourism associations and traders’ bodies at Raj Bhavan here and listened to their grievances.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, President Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Muhammad Ashraf, said the Prime Minister assured the business delegations of assistance from the central government.
“Our meeting with the PM was conducive. He patiently gave audience to our problems,” Ashraf said, adding, “On behalf of the State Economic Reconstruction Forum (SERF), a conglomerate of various traders bodies in Kashmir, a memorandum enlisting our demands was submitted to the PM.”
He said in the memorandum, “we sought ex-gratia for small traders who were hit by the devastating floods, financial package for healthcare, education sectors, soft loans for business fraternity for revival of economy and restructuring of loans and interest waivers.”
Chairman of Kashmir Economic Alliance, ShowkatChowdhary, said: “The PM assured us of central government’s assistance for reviving the economy of Kashmir.”
“In our joint memorandum we demanded the financial package of Rs 10 lakh for small traders, loan waivers and rehabilitation package for tourism industry,” he said.  “We also raised the issue of delay in announcement of rehabilitation package for the flood-affected people. To our query on the issue, the PM replied that on first day after the floods last month, the Centre provided financial assistance of Rs 1000 crore to JK government.”
President, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation (KHAROF), G M Dug said they demanded a financial package for tourism industry in Kashmir which has been derailed by the floods.
“The PM told us that he has urged the Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to visit Kashmir instead of sending donations to increase inflow of tourists,” Dug said.
The interaction with PM was attended by members of Travel Agents Society of Kashmir, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir, Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Association, Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Owners Federation, Federation Chamber of Industry Kashmir, Kashmir Economic Alliance and others.