MANISH GUPTA
Ranchi, Nov 17: The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) has come down heavily on Chief Minister Hemant Soren for his controversial remarks on the business community that relegated them as corrupt people.
“It is very unfortunate that the Chief Minister thinks this way about the business people. He seems to believe the general feeling that businessmen and traders are nothing but thieves. I strongly condemn this,” FJCCI President Kishor Mantri told lagatar24.com.
Earlier today, Soren, prior to appearing before the Enforcement Directorate, in a press meet said that he is a public leader and not a businessman that he will run away from the country, and the investigating agencies should stop treating him as a trader.
“Not that the previous government did anything special for the business environment of the state but this mindset is detrimental for the growth of industry. Businessmen are the backbone of any country and its economy. They should be respected,” he said.
Mantri also said that the everlasting political instability in Jharkhand has kept the state poor and lacking on many fronts. He said the biggest hurdle for business is uncertainty that comes with political instability, which has intensified in the past few months.
“While the regular work carries on but any work with the government gets stalled in such an environment. Officers too stop working during this phase. We are trying for a meeting with the Ranchi Deputy Commissioner on a critical issue related to Pandra Bazaar but we are yet to get an appointment. He is probably keeping himself free and alert for any sudden need to maintain law and order in the city. Similarly, there are many other issues that require serious consideration by the government,” he said.
The FJCCI President said that the government is announcing various policies but what is needed are land bank, review of tribal land protection laws, effective single window system, different types of funding support and a business-friendly atmosphere.
“However, this government has fortunately taken up regularisation of the unauthorised residential and commercial buildings in urban areas. This will help several businesses in Ranchi to carry out its commercial activities more effectively,” Mantri said.
The FJCCI plans to meet Soren soon on various business issues and has now decided to also bring up his “disrespectful remarks” during the meeting to express their angst.
