Rs 200 Cr print industry under threat
BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar: The print industry of Kashmir is under threat due to the continuing blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway. The industry manages an annual turnover of Rs 200 crores in the Valley alone.
The economic blockade has affected over 350 printing units, employing thousands of youths. President, Kashmir Printers Association, Mukhoor Gowhar, told Greater Kashmir that the highway blockade has affected the printers' business the most. "The printing industry is basic for all other sectors," he said.
Local newspapers too are running short of newsprint. Some newspapers have stopped printing and most have reduced the number of pages to ensure continuity.
On an average 8 trucks of paper arrive in the Valley daily. According to Gowhar, government hospitals require huge printing supplies in the form of OPD tickets and other forms. "Till date we have managed to supply tickets and forms to hospitals without any break but now we are running short of supplies," he adds.
Other industrialists associated with the trade say the paper industry is of utmost importance and government should ensure supply to printers.
The price hike of over 15 per cent in paper industry has already affected their business in the Valley. "We were still struggling to manage after recent price hike and now the economic blockade has dented us financially," said an industrialist.
According to Gowhar, the government departments have started cancellation of orders to the local printers. "Government in these tough times should stand by us. Instead they are threatening us by cancellation notices," he said.
The association said the government departments are planning to outsource the work to outsiders. "Outsourcing would mean huge loss to the unit holders and government should restrain them from doing this," said a unit holder.
Presently the printers fear cancellation of orders from Kashmir University, banks and hospitals.
The prevailing situation demands thorough media coverage and the print media is doing its bit. "Paper supplies to the newspapers should be ensured at all cost," said president, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel Qalander. "It is unfortunate on part of the government," he adds.
BILAL HUSSAIN
Srinagar: The print industry of Kashmir is under threat due to the continuing blockade of Srinagar-Jammu highway. The industry manages an annual turnover of Rs 200 crores in the Valley alone.
The economic blockade has affected over 350 printing units, employing thousands of youths. President, Kashmir Printers Association, Mukhoor Gowhar, told Greater Kashmir that the highway blockade has affected the printers' business the most. "The printing industry is basic for all other sectors," he said.
Local newspapers too are running short of newsprint. Some newspapers have stopped printing and most have reduced the number of pages to ensure continuity.
On an average 8 trucks of paper arrive in the Valley daily. According to Gowhar, government hospitals require huge printing supplies in the form of OPD tickets and other forms. "Till date we have managed to supply tickets and forms to hospitals without any break but now we are running short of supplies," he adds.
Other industrialists associated with the trade say the paper industry is of utmost importance and government should ensure supply to printers.
The price hike of over 15 per cent in paper industry has already affected their business in the Valley. "We were still struggling to manage after recent price hike and now the economic blockade has dented us financially," said an industrialist.
According to Gowhar, the government departments have started cancellation of orders to the local printers. "Government in these tough times should stand by us. Instead they are threatening us by cancellation notices," he said.
The association said the government departments are planning to outsource the work to outsiders. "Outsourcing would mean huge loss to the unit holders and government should restrain them from doing this," said a unit holder.
Presently the printers fear cancellation of orders from Kashmir University, banks and hospitals.
The prevailing situation demands thorough media coverage and the print media is doing its bit. "Paper supplies to the newspapers should be ensured at all cost," said president, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Shakeel Qalander. "It is unfortunate on part of the government," he adds.
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