Srinagar, April 05: Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) on Monday criticized the government for forming the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) without any representation from Kashmir region.

President FCIK Shahid Kamili alleged that the formation of JKPCC without any representation to the officials of the Kashmir region smells malice towards the industry of a particular region.

While expressing surprise over exclusion of officials from SMC, Government Medical College Srinagar and businesses communities, he said the entire scheme seems biased, subsiding representation from Kashmir, whereas counterparts from Jammu have been included in the committee.

“Srinagar Municipal Commissioner is equally responsible officer as Jammu Municipal Commissioner, then why SMC Commissioner doesn't figure in the 14 member JKPCC,” he asked.

He added, likewise Principal Medical Jammu has been nominated a member of the committee and the name of Principal Srinagar Medical College doesn't figure in the list. “We are restraining to say officials and business community of a region has been deliberately ignored to serve the interests of a particular section of society only," he said.

The FCIK also has reminded the government of ignoring the role of a biggest amalgam of industrial associations of Kashmir in the Committee.

“Earlier one post used to be reserved for President FCIK in the committee. But this time the government decided not to give representation to the FCIK. This is unfortunate. On one hand Government is seeking cooperation of unit holders to revive the business sector in J&K. On the other hand it is ignoring the role of business association”, he said and added “In past FCIK President as a member of the committee would strengthen the synergy between the Government and unit holders for speedy issuance of pollution certificates and adherence to environmental guidelines."

He appealed the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Advisor Baseer Ahmed Khan, Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce to look into the issue and ensure equal representation to both regions at official as well as industrial level.