Ranchi, Oct 28: The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) has opposed the unilateral increase in rent for shops and warehouses under the state’s market committees, calling for consultation with trade bodies before decisions that impose additional financial burdens on traders.
The issue was raised at the federation’s third Executive Committee meeting of the current term, held at Chamber Bhawan under the chairmanship of Chamber President Tulsi Patel. Patel said he would meet the Agriculture Minister to discuss the rent hike and convey the concerns of the business community.
The meeting also discussed a range of industrial, railway, transport and infrastructure-related issues across Jharkhand, with regional representatives seeking intervention from the concerned authorities.
Amarjit Singh Saluja, Regional Vice President for the Coal Belt division, highlighted the difficulties faced by industrial units in Giridih due to restrictions on vehicle movement between 8 am and 10 pm. He said the restrictions disrupted the transportation of raw materials and increased costs through demurrage and wharfage charges. He called for an early construction of a bypass road and the commencement of the approved Gaya–Santragachi Express and Madhupur–Chopan rail services via New Giridih.
Vinay Agarwal, Regional Vice President for North Chotanagpur, urged the Jharkhand Industrial Area Development Authority (JIADA) to establish a new industrial zone in Gola, Ramgarh, and improve infrastructure in the existing Bokaro industrial zone. He also raised demands concerning the proposed operation of the Rajdhani Express via the Ranchi–Hazaribagh route, improved facilities at Ranchi Road railway station and a new railway line connecting Hazaribagh, Chatra and Gaya.
Other regional concerns included a shortage of coins affecting small shopkeepers, raised by South Chotanagpur Regional Vice President Damodar Kasera, and poor traffic management in Medininagar. Palamu Regional Vice President Amit Jaiswal called for the appointment of a Traffic Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and support for a new industrial zone in the district.
Kolhan Regional Vice President Vijay Anand Moonka stressed the need to operationalise Dhalbhumgarh Airport to improve connectivity for Jamshedpur and surrounding areas. He also proposed a higher educational institution and a modern hospital in Nemra to reduce dependence on other states for education and healthcare.
Patel assured members that the federation would take up the issues with the relevant authorities. He also said steps would be taken to include regional vice presidents in JIADA’s Project Clearance Committee and Land Allotment Committee to facilitate the resolution of industrial issues at the regional level.
The committee unanimously appointed chairpersons for 75 sub-committees to oversee the federation’s activities during the current term. Vice President Vikas Vijayvargiya said additional sub-committees would be formed at the next Executive Committee meeting.
The renewal of bus permits was another issue discussed, with Patel assuring members that he would hold discussions with the concerned departmental secretary. Members also expressed concern over the state’s decision to increase registration fees for the sale and purchase of land and buildings by 10 per cent. General Secretary Rohit Agarwal said the move would add to the financial burden on the public and the business community and urged the department to reconsider it.
The meeting also discussed arrangements ahead of the proposed closure of Platform No. 1 at Ranchi Railway Station for reconstruction. Treasurer Navjot Alang proposed coordination with the Ranchi Railway Division to minimise inconvenience to passengers. Members suggested that relevant trains should be arranged to halt at Namkum and Argora stations before the platform’s closure to ease congestion on Ranchi Station Road and reduce passenger difficulties.
New membership applications presented by Joint Secretaries Pooja Dhadha and Amit Sharma were approved by the Executive Committee.
The meeting was attended by office-bearers, regional vice presidents, Executive Committee members, former presidents and representatives of district chambers and affiliated organisations. Executive Committee member Rahul Saboo delivered the vote of thanks. Members also observed a minute of silence in tribute to late Yogendra Poddar, a former chairman of a Chamber sub-committee.
