Ranchi | Aditya Malhotra, President of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, participated in a pre-budget meeting organised by the Finance Department of the Jharkhand Government at Project Bhavan. During the meeting, he presented several important suggestions to the government for the Jharkhand Budget 2026–27, focusing on industry, trade, employment, and overall socio-economic development.
Aditya Malhotra stated that Jharkhand is currently passing through a decisive phase of economic transformation. He stressed that the state must move beyond a mineral-based economy and develop into a diversified industrial hub. Highlighting the MSME sector as the backbone of Jharkhand’s economy, he emphasised that strengthening MSMEs is essential for job creation and inclusive growth.
The Chamber proposed setting up a dedicated MSME land bank of at least 25 acres in every district. It also recommended providing new MSME units with exemptions for five years in stamp duty, electricity charges, and SGST, along with a 2% interest subsidy on new loans. The Chamber further suggested expanding the credit guarantee scheme for loans up to Rs 5 crore. In addition, it demanded a special package for reopening closed mines and reviving the mica industry.
To improve the energy sector, Malhotra recommended implementing a predictable power pricing framework for industries to enable long-term planning for investors. He also proposed subsidies for rooftop solar systems for MSMEs and the introduction of a green tariff for industries adopting green energy. The Chamber suggested developing a digital utility map portal for investors. It also urged the government to make the single-window system a true one-point clearance mechanism and ensure that all approvals are granted within 30 days.
The Chamber also proposed giving priority to Jharkhand startups in government tenders, providing exemption from EMD, and establishing a Rs 100 crore Jharkhand Innovation Fund. For resolving business-related issues, it recommended forming a permanent Trade and Industry Commission, providing tax audit relief to micro enterprises, and introducing a time-bound mechanism for clearing pending payments across departments.
Other key suggestions included setting up “Aparajita Women Vendor Markets” in every district, amending policies to simplify the collection and transportation of minor minerals for local residents, creating a Just Transition Fund for workers in regions like Ramgarh and Dhanbad, and promoting skill development programmes through a PPP model between industries and ITIs.
Malhotra also urged the government to declare the Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce as the state’s official State Industry Partner to ensure continuous participation of the industry in policymaking and implementation. He also highlighted the need for long-term industrial policy stability for the next 5 to 10 years.
Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore appreciated the suggestions submitted by the Jharkhand Chamber and assured that they would be given priority in the budget. Finance Secretary Abu Imran and other departmental officials were present at the meeting. Former Chamber President Ranjit Garodia, Sub-Committee Chairman Aditya Shah, and Pankaj Makkad also attended the event.
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