We aim to strengthen Jamshedpur’s industrial, trade ecosystem: Manav Kedia
We want local businesses to always feel supported: Punit Kauntia
Jamshedpur, September 2: The Singhbhum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), is gearing up for its 2025 elections. On Tuesday, at a press conference held at Gujarati Sanatan Samaj in Bistupur, Team Kedia-Kauntia unveiled its comprehensive manifesto titled “Resolve for a Prosperous Jamshedpur.”
Led by General Secretary and president-in-waiting Manav Kedia, along with Vice President (Industry) Punit Kauntia, Vice President (Public Relations & Welfare) Abhishek Agarwal Goldy, and Vice President (Trade & Finance) Rajiv Agarwal, the team promised to transform Jamshedpur into a business-friendly hub with world-class infrastructure, better government coordination, and stronger trade protection policies.
Introducing the manifesto, Manav Kedia stressed that the team’s core objective is to strengthen the city’s industrial and trade ecosystem.
“Over the past two years, we have worked with 11 office bearers and 30 dedicated members to address the concerns of traders and entrepreneurs. Today, 70–80% of the officials who filed nominations are being elected because the community recognises that our efforts have yielded results. The work we started will now be carried forward with greater energy,” Kedia said.
He further emphasised that Team Kedia-Kauntia is committed to bridging gaps between the business community and the government, advocating for policy reforms, and bringing large-scale industrial opportunities to Jamshedpur.
Kedia also highlighted the recognition SCCI has received nationally. He recalled how a program featuring Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was not only broadcast on Sansad TV but also covered extensively in Delhi and Rajasthan’s media, bringing SCCI into the national spotlight.
Ten-Point Manifesto for Development and Trade Growth
The manifesto of Team Kedia-Kauntia has been crafted around ten major objectives that aim to address both immediate business concerns and long-term developmental goals for Jamshedpur.
- Better Coordination with Government
The team pledged to establish smoother channels of communication with local and state authorities to ensure the quick resolution of traders’ issues. The manifesto emphasises the removal of bureaucratic hurdles that often slow down industrial and commercial progress.
- Stronger Cooperation with the Central Government
One of the cornerstones of the manifesto is enhanced connectivity and infrastructure development. By engaging with the Centre, the team plans to push forward projects such as the development of an airport in Jamshedpur, improved air and rail connectivity, and industrial infrastructure upgrades.
- Adityapur Industrial Area Development
Recognising Adityapur as a critical hub for small and medium industries, the manifesto focuses on:
Road and streetlight improvements
Rationalisation of power supply and tariff
Cleanliness and maintenance drives
- Knowledge and Awareness Programs
The team promises regular seminars on GST, income tax changes, and continuous tax clinics to provide expert guidance. Policy-level dialogue with central tax officials is also part of the plan.
- MSME Promotion
An MSME Facilitation Centre will be established in Jamshedpur to help small and medium enterprises with finance, mentorship, and growth opportunities.
- Land and Registry Reforms
Pending land registry issues in Tata Lease, Mango, and Jugsalai areas will be addressed, ensuring smoother ownership and transfer processes for traders.
- Women Entrepreneurship Promotion
Team Kedia-Kauntia aims to organise women-centric trade fairs and exhibitions, creating platforms to showcase local women’s skills and talents.
- Market and Trade Protection
The interests of traditional markets like Serat Bazaar and Mandis will be safeguarded. The team has also promised to address hawker and illegal encroachment problems in major business hubs like Bistupur.
- Connectivity and Infrastructure Push
Persistent demands for a direct Tata-Jaipur train and Ranchi-Jaipur flight will be pursued. The manifesto reiterates the team’s determination to make Jamshedpur’s long-awaited airport a reality.
- Education and Health Improvements
To reduce the outflow of talent, the team promises to push for higher education institutions in Jamshedpur. Advanced healthcare facilities and emergency services will be advocated to reduce dependence on hospitals in other states.
Manav Kedia, who is expected to be elected unopposed as president, described the journey so far as one of unity and teamwork.
“Unless there is teamwork, no work gets done. Whatever we have achieved has been possible because our 11 office bearers and 30 team members worked with dedication. In the coming years, our focus will be to continue this legacy and ensure that traders feel supported, heard, and empowered,” he said.
Vice President (Industry) Punit Kauntia who is fighting the general secretary post emphasised the importance of learning from successful industrialists.
“We are planning to invite leading industrialists to Jamshedpur to share their journeys with small industries. Their stories of struggle and success will inspire local entrepreneurs. At the same time, we remain focused on solving day-to-day problems of traders, such as road closures or supply chain disruptions. We want to ensure that local businesses always feel supported,” Kauntia said.
He also underscored the team’s role in policy advocacy, ensuring that traders’ voices reach policymakers at the highest levels.
We’ll listen to traders’ concerns, even at midnight: Abhishek Agarwal Goldy
Vice President (PRW) Abhishek Agarwal Goldy spoke passionately about the team’s collective vision.
“We have come with a team that has a vision. Our promise to the business community is simple—we will always stand by you. Even at midnight, our phones will be on to listen to your concerns. Traders should never feel abandoned. This accessibility and commitment is what sets our team apart,” he said.
Goldy also stressed respect for all elected members and the importance of unity in chamber activities.
Vice President (Trade and Finance) Rajiv Agarwal highlighted the team’s achievements in influencing policy over the past two years.
“None of our representations remained local—they reached Delhi. We demanded a GST branch in Jharkhand, and the GST Council has now considered our proposal. Similarly, we have been demanding a central processing centre for income tax in Jamshedpur. Our advocacy ensures that SCCI’s voice is heard at the highest levels,” he said.
The press conference was attended by more than 40 prominent members of the team, including Vijay Anand Moonka, Punit Kauntia, Harsh Bakrewal, Anil Modi, Abhishek Kabra, Rajiv Agarwal, and several others.
