KCCI Geared Up with Plans for a Better and Smart Mangaluru
Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) all Geared Up with Plans for a Better and Smart Mangaluru
Mangaluru: A Press Meet was held by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) for an interaction between the Directors/Office Bearers of KCCI and Media Persons to share the vision of the KCCI for the betterment of our District in particular and this region as a whole and also for the promotion of Trade, Commerce and Industry of this region.
The 77 year old organisation, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry has always been very proactive when it comes to taking initiatives for the economic and social developments in D.K. The New Mangalore Port, Airport, National Highways, Railways, MRPL and MSEZ are examples of the same. Apart from this, KCCI has the privilege of being on the Board of MSEZ and also have representations on several public bodies such as the Airport Consultative Committee, Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee, Konkan Railway Corporation Advisory Committee etc.
Having completed 77 years of serving trade, commerce and industry, KCCI had many a great personalities who have visited and interacted with the Chamber in the past including Governors such as Rama Devi, Margaret Alva, Central Ministers such as Subramaniam Swamy, ShashiTharoor, Suresh Prabhu, Chief Ministers such as HD Kumaraswamy, Veerappa Moily, and a host of State Govt Ministers, MPs, MLAs, DCs, Mayors. Also, Consulate Generals of various embassies like the US, Israel, Indonesia, Canada, etc have also visited the Chamber in addition to several other dignitaries.
Sitting from left to right: M. Ganesh Bhat – Director, Isaac Vas – Hon. Treasurer, P. B. Abdul Hameed – Vice President, Ms Vathika Pai – President, Shashidhar Pai Maroor – Hon. Secretary, Prashanth C.G. – Hon. Secretary, Nitte Yathiraj Shetty – Director.
Standing from left to right: K. Ganesh Kamath, Aditya Padmanabha Pai, Amith Ramachandra Acharya, Praveen Kumar Bangera, Ananth G. Pai, Nissar Fakeer Mohammed, B.A.Nazeer, Ananthesh V. Prabhu, and K. Dinesh Rao, Directors.
The Board members and members of KCCI have always made representations to the concerned authorities on matters that concern trade and industry and of course the general welfare of our people and this in turn has helped us to contribute to the development of our District, and in a large way, shape its future. Addressing the media personal Ms Vathika Pai- the President of KCCI briefed on KICCI plans for the district for the year 2017, along with KCCI Board Members seated on the dais namely- P B Abdul Hameed-Vice President; Sashidhar Pai Maroor and Prashanth C G- Hon. Secretaries; and Isaac Vas-Treasurer, with the following details :
Goods and Services Tax:
The New Tax Regime, the Goods and Services Tax on was introduced on the 1stof July, 2017. It is considered the most important Tax reform undertaken since Independence, with the aim of creating a unified market across the Country, its motto being One Nation, One tax. The KCCI has been very proactive in educating its members on GST even before it was introduced. Several seminars have been conducted to ensure a smooth transition to the new tax system. Now that the GST has been implemented in full swing, there are certain software and server issues, and issues concerning uploading, modification of filing of returns.
In order to help our members and the general public in sailing smoothly in the coming months and in order to clarify their doubts and apprehensions, KCCI will continue to work closely with the Tax Authorities in our District and will continue to conduct Seminars and Workshops for our Members and the general public on all issues concerning GST such as rates of taxes, filing of returns etc. and will extend all help to them to solve any problems that they may encounter in due course of time. In view of this, the new team of KCCI had organised an interactive session on resolving practical issues in GST on the 12thof October, 2017.
We are also urging the State govt. to subsume all Levies and Cess such as the APMC Cess into the ambit of GST in order to avoid undue hardship and disadvantages to the Traders in our State.
Promotion of Tourism:
We belong to a land which has everything to offer to different kinds of tourists, be it Cruise Tourism, religious tourism, eco-tourism, health tourism, etc. Creating and marketing our region as a brand is the need of the hour. This would help the overall economy by providing business opportunities to Hotels, Shops, Restaurants etc. and thus providing employment and income to the people of this region. The KCCI will continue to ask for the setting up of a separate Karavali Tourism Development Authority to develop tourism and other related activities.
The Authority could develop and showcase the pristine beaches and Waterfronts of this region, where Adventure Water Sports such as Surfing, Kayaking, and also House Boats and Beach Resorts can be developed. The Unique Cuisine of the Karavali region which we are known for, could also be promoted to add the much deserved charm to this region. Moreover, Mangalore is gaining popularity as a destination for many national level events and conference sespecially Doctors Conferences. In order to meet the growing demand for the same, the Authorities could facilitate the setting up of additional hotels and resorts of star categories.
A Tourist Information Centre in the heart of the city will be of great help to thousands of foreign tourists coming to Mangalore. It could have Currency Exchange, booking counters for taxis, food courts, travel advisors, etc. KCCI has also been actively involved in promoting Dakshina Kannada as the next Health Tourism Hub of the country.
Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship:
Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship is another priority for us. And the areas that enhance theseopportunities are the IT and Tourism Industry and also the SME sector. Thus, we will focus on these areas and put in all our efforts to promote these areas aggressively. We are also planning on having a workshop on Women Empowerment in Association with the US consulate.
Information Technology (IT):
The KCCI’s efforts in the past have ensured we have an Incubation Centre including IT and ITES and also the ESDM Incubation Centre. They will come up soon and Mangalore will have both these Incubation centres to support our start ups. However, we are all aware, that as we are an education hub, we have thousands of Engineers and Graduates passing out of our colleges every year and they are absorbed into Bangalore due to lack of opportunities here. KCCI will continue to put in efforts in getting the big IT companies to Mangalore and also ensure that our talent pool is retained here.
Mangalore International Airport:
The Extension of the Runway of Mangalore International Airport from 2450 mtrs to 3050 mtrs will continue to be our priority this year and we will put in all our efforts to see that the State Government sanctions the same. This will enable wide bodied aircrafts to fly into Mangalore which is not the case now and will also give a boost to IT, Tourism and other industries of this region. KCCI has received positive responses from several International Airlines to start their flight operations to Mangalore. However, the absence of bilateral agreement / bilateral air traffic rights are preventing them from starting the same. The KCCI will continue to represent to the authorities concerned and ensure we get the much needed Bilateral Permission for Mangaluru.
The Approach road to the Airport needs to be doubled as it has the cater to the increasing traffic of passengers flying in and out of Mangaluru. There is No public transport to the Airport. KSRTC & Private buses should be allowed up to the first circle just outside the airport for pick-up and drop. Amenities such as Washrooms, Restaurant etc. for Visitors need to be provided as there are very few basic amenities for them. Car parking fees are too high for a non-metro City. Also, the ticket system has to be made completely electronic at both entry and exit.
Road Connectivity to Mangaluru:
We welcome the implementation of the 4 lane Express Highway project that connects Mangaluru & Bangalore. This would reduce the travel time to the capital city significantly and also prevent accidents on the western ghats. Developing of good Service Roads on either side of the Highways when passing through villages and city areas are a necessity so that people do not use the highways, which could also be the cause of accidents. However, the priority is to ensure the roads in the city are in good condition, in the absence of which the citizens of a growing city like ours face a lot of inconveniences.
Mangalore City Development:
It is a priority to Improve the Traffic sense of our people especially the wrong use of one ways and other traffic violations that result in accidents and loss of life. In this regard we will be having an Interaction with the Police Commissioner, on the issues & concerns of Traffic and Law & Order, in the month of November, at the KCCI. The scheduled date will be communicated soon. Sky Walks and over bridges are a necessity at busy intersections in order to ease road crossing. This also helps in the better flow of traffic.
As our city is growing, traffic management will be a matter of serious concern in the coming years. Multi-level Car Parking facilities at strategic locations such as the business and Shopping areas of the City are a need of the hour. This will not only reduce traffic congestion, but also give visibility to smaller shops and businesses. With the advent of the malls in Mangalore, all our local traders are losing out on business due to parking issues at their locations. MLPs will go a long way in ensuring these businesses become accessible.
Approach roads to the Mangalore Central and Mangalore Junction railway stations to be improvised with adequate parking facilities. We need more Lung space and clean air for the City. Restoring and developing parks and our green spaces for children and senior citizens is required. Water Conservation and Management is also the need of the hour. There has been Water shortage this summer and this is sure to get worse if correct measures are not undertaken. This problem needs to be addressed well in advance this year. Water harvesting, Rain Water Harvesting in apartments, complexes and houses should be made compulsory for all the new constructions coming up in the city and the existing ones should also follow the same wherever possible.
Auditing and Demarcation and protection of water bodies like lakes and freshwater streams is also required to be done as a priority. Waste Management is also another area where we need to chalk out proper plans to face this challenge in the coming years. Promoting Solar Rooftop programs are important. Set up Air Monitoring Stations to check air pollution in the city. Taking necessary steps/precautions to control air pollution to be undertaken to avoid situations like Beijing and Delhi in the future in our own city. Air pollution can be prevented in a big way by using and promoting electric vehicles.
Karnataka Maritime Board:
The setting up of a Karnataka Maritime Board has been a long-standing demand of the Chamber.
Developing the Industrial Area:
Development of Multi-Level Industrial Sheds with heavy lifts closer to the city can be thought of taking some inspiration from the operation of Chinese industries which will also help save a lot of space. Phase 2 of Baikampady Industrial Area to be developed in the JESCO Land. Making smaller plots of 2 acres and 1 acre would help in supporting the growth of SMEs in our region. There is a huge demand for industrial lands at Baikampady because of the proximity to the port and the NH 66.
There is a lot of demand for smaller plots from SMEs who are paying exorbitant rent, rendering their units unviable by putting a huge strain on their finances. We could think of a single window clearance facility to support new entrepreneurs. The KCCI is actively involved in the development of Plastic Park as proposed by the Central Government, which would house several industries belonging to the Plastic Industry.
CRZ office to Headquarter in Mangaluru:
The KCCI will continue to represent to the authorities concerned to shift the base of the CRZ headquarters to Mangalore instead of Bangalore as its presence in this coastal area is what is required in comparison to housing it in a city which has no coastline at all.
Smart City:
Mangaluru has made it to the Second List of Smart Cities and this is a Landmark event for our City. The KCCI will make all efforts to promote the Smart City Project and will showcase Mangalore, inviting Investors to invest in the Smart City, in order to make it a success.
Infrastructure Projects:
Infrastructure Projects will be followed up, such as the Connectivity of Roads, Railways etc., in general and we will strive to enhance our stature as a Tier 2 City. Doubling of our railway tracks especially from Mangalore Central to Nethravathi Bridge so as to avoid delays / cut down travel time to Mangalore would go a long way in reducing inconvenience to our citizens.
Upcoming Events:
Police Commissioner of Mangaluru T R Suresh
New DC of Dakshina Kannada District Sashikanth Senthil
Interaction with the Police Commissioner TR Suresh, on the issues & concerns of Traffic and Law & Order. He has accepted our invitation to address the Chamber in the month of November. We will have an Interactive session with the New DC of Dakshina Kannada District Sashikanth Senthil soon. We also plan to have interactive sessions with our elected representatives here at the chamber. We at KCCI, look forward to your enthusiastic support in all our endeavours and active participation and coverage of all the programs of the Chamber, throughout the coming year.
