- Chief Minister makes eight important announcements concerning traders’ interests at the Provincial Traders’ Conference.
- Special emphasis on resolving traders’ problems and simplifying business procedures.
- More than 206 services of 26 major departments available online; investment and entrepreneurship being promoted in the state.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Provincial Traders’ Conference, organised at the auditorium of Government Medical College in Haldwani on Friday, by lighting the ceremonial lamp. On this occasion, the Chief Minister made eight important announcements concerning the interests of traders. He said that the trading community is the backbone of the state’s economy. Protecting the security, honour and interests of traders is a priority of the state government.
Addressing traders who had arrived from across the state, the Chief Minister said that traders are not limited merely to the buying and selling of goods, but also play an important role in employment generation, giving momentum to the local economy and the state’s economic progress. From large industries to small shopkeepers, every trader is contributing to the development of the state. Even during challenging circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic, traders fulfilled their responsibility towards society by ensuring the supply of essential commodities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government considers traders not merely taxpayers, but important partners in development. The government’s effort is to provide traders with a fear-free, secure and transparent environment so that they do not have to face unnecessary procedures or make repeated visits to government offices. Special attention is being given to the timely resolution of traders’ problems and maintaining continuous dialogue with them.
The Chief Minister made eight important announcements concerning traders’ interests:
- Necessary action will be taken to provide appropriate relief, in accordance with the rules, to traders affected by natural disasters or other calamities.
- To establish better communication with traders and resolve their problems, Industry Friend Committees will be reconstituted at the state and district levels, and regular meetings will be organised.
- Information regarding accident insurance for traders registered under GST will be widely publicised so that the dependants of eligible traders can complete the insurance claim process on time.
- To encourage tourism businesses, the registration process will be simplified and a single-window system will be implemented.
- Homestay facilities will be expanded in tourism-dominated areas and district headquarters, enabling local people to access self-employment and additional income opportunities.
- Parking facilities will be developed at necessary locations along the Char Dham pilgrimage route to provide convenience to pilgrims and traders.
- Construction and repair of roads and drains in markets connected to national highways, state highways and other major roads will be undertaken on a priority basis.
- Workers registered with the Labour Department and employed in commercial establishments will be provided the benefits and facilities available under the Labour Welfare Board’s schemes.
Simplification of Procedures to Promote Trade and Investment
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, trade, entrepreneurship, digital transactions and financial inclusion have received a boost in the country. In Uttarakhand too, procedures related to trade and investment are being simplified. Through the single-window system, more than 206 services of 26 major departments are available online. The ‘Nivesh Mitra’ mechanism has been established to resolve the problems of investors and entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister said that the Uttarakhand Startup Policy and a venture fund of Rs 200 crore have been put in place to encourage startups and innovation in the state. The government is working to expand entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in hilly areas as well, instead of restricting industrial development to the plains. Land has been identified for special industrial parks in Chamoli, Pauri and Almora to promote small industries.
The Chief Minister said that local trade, tourism, small industries and self-employment play an important role in strengthening Uttarakhand’s economy. The government is making efforts to provide traders in the state with opportunities to establish their identity not only in local markets but also in national and international markets. He said continuous efforts are being made to develop Uttarakhand into a major centre of economic strength alongside its spiritual significance.
Calling upon traders to actively participate in the state’s development, the Chief Minister said that their cooperation would help realise the vision of a developed, self-reliant and economically strong Uttarakhand.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a souvenir of the Provincial Industries and Trade Representative Board and honoured representatives of various units of the traders’ association.
Those present included Member of Parliament Ajay Bhatt; Cabinet Minister Ram Singh Kaida; MLAs Bansidhar Bhagat and Sarita Arya; Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht; Provincial Industries and Trade Representative Board State President Naveen Verma; State General Secretary Prakash Mishra; BJP District President Pratap Bisht; Minister of State Dr Anil Kapoor Dabboo; District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Ryal; Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Manjunath T.C.; Chief Development Officer Arvind Kumar Pandey; Additional District Magistrate Vivek Rai; office-bearers of traders’ organisations and other distinguished guests.
