SCCI AGM clears key industry, trade and civic proposals

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, September 29: The 75th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Tuesday unanimously approved the resolutions and proposals of its four sub-committees, along with the audited financial report for 2025-26, setting out a broad agenda for strengthening trade, industry and civic infrastructure in Kolhan.

Held at Chamber Bhavan, the AGM also witnessed the release of a special souvenir marking the Chamber’s 75th AGM. The publication documented its activities and achievements during the past year across industry, trade, public interest, social initiatives and member welfare.

Focus on Trade, Industry and Public Issues

Addressing the AGM, SCCI president Manav Kedia said the new team, which took charge after the 74th AGM and elections, had focused not only on the interests of trade and industry but also on public issues such as airport connectivity, railway infrastructure and civic amenities.

He said the Chamber had also promoted sports and social activities for the welfare and engagement of its members.

Kedia said the organisation had consistently taken up industrial and business-related issues with the government, JIADA and other concerned authorities. He also highlighted a symposium organised for the first time by bringing together 19 chambers from across Jharkhand to deliberate on challenges confronting trade and industry.

Advertisement

General secretary Puneet Kauntia presented the annual report, while treasurer CA Anil Ringasia placed the audited accounts for 2025-26 before the House. Both were unanimously approved.

Textile Park, Food Processing and Digital Skills

Among the key resolutions was a proposal to establish a textile and garment park in Kolhan and develop the region as a major trading hub. The Chamber also sought greater promotion of food processing and initiatives to strengthen digital marketing, e-commerce and cyber-security skills among local traders.

The trade body called for simplified trade licensing, improved market infrastructure, social security measures for traders and greater preference for local MSMEs in government procurement.

Advertisement

Airport, Railway and Smart City Demands

The public-interest resolutions included renewed efforts to establish an airport in or around Jamshedpur, improve infrastructure at Tatanagar railway station and develop a new bus terminal for long-distance services.

The Chamber also sought greater promotion of Kolhan’s tourism and heritage under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and demanded that Jamshedpur be designated as a Smart City.

Another proposal called for construction of a new administrative building for the Chamber with a 500-seat auditorium.

GST Appellate Bench and Tax Relief

On taxation, the AGM approved a demand for a GST Appellate Bench in the Jamshedpur Commissionerate. It also sought amnesty schemes for professional tax and GST defaults, adequate time for businesses to implement changes in tax laws and faster disposal of pending appeals.

Industrial Clusters, MSME Centre and Better Connectivity

The industry resolutions called for new industrial parks and manufacturing clusters in Kolhan, a coaching depot at Tatanagar and an MSME facilitation centre in Jamshedpur.

The Chamber also proposed improved industrial connectivity and power infrastructure, vendor-development programmes, revival of the EMC, a streamlined single-window clearance mechanism and effective implementation of Industrial Policy 2026 and JIADA Regulation 2026.

A demand was also raised for establishing a JSMDC office in Kolhan.

Former Presidents Share Experiences

Former SCCI presidents Murlidhar Kedia, Umesh Kauntia and outgoing president Vijay Anand Moonka shared their experiences and congratulated the newly elected office-bearers.

The AGM concluded with a two-minute silence in memory of Sarthak Agrawal, Naman Gupta, Trisha Singh and Vanshika Khandelwal, who lost their lives in the recent Marine Drive road accident.