During a meeting with visiting delegation of Katra Hoteliers Association, Director Industries & Commerce Anoo Malhotra informed that the sites of Industrial Estates around Katra have been identified. One of these sites is Garn, just 9 Kms from Katra and the 2nd is Khairal, which is little far and hopefully the work on the establishment of Industrial Park at Garn would be started soon. As suggested by Association, the decision with regard to its nature i.e. dealing with the products particularly related to Vaishnodevi pilgrimage, Ayurved and products whose raw material is available around Katra would be taken soon. The delegation was comprised of Association President Rakesh Wazir, Chairman Shyam Lal Kesar, Sr Vice President Virender Kesar, Vice President Ajay Kotwal, Executive Member Sanjay Gupta, members Mangal Singh, Virender Mattu and others. Rakesh Wazir, while speaking on the occasion, said that establishment of such Industrial park besides adding on to the religious sentiments, will give employment to the people and gave the example of Patanjali which is established in Haridwar in this regard. Shyam Lal Kesar, while speaking on the occasion, said that Tourism has been declared as Industry and likewise all the benefits of Industry be provided to it as well like Re-imbursement of GST and Power Tariff to Hotels at par with Industry. He elaborated that when GST was introduced and imposed on Hotel Industry which was at zero percent slab till then, it was assured by the authorities that GST will be refunded. Even as the refund has started in Industry but Hotel Industry is still waiting for start of refund of GST to hotel sector on the pattern of manufacturing Industry and likewise Industrial Power Tariff to hotels on the pattern of Industry which was started and was operational till 31st March 2019 be re started, he added. Virender Kesar and Ajay Kotwal emphasized for special package to the Tourism Industry which was hit the most because of COVID. Anoo Malhotra listened to the delegation patiently and assured that sympathetic consideration to each and every point which pertains to her will be given and issues which pertain to higher ups will be taken up with them.
