Bilal Bhat
Srinagar, April 2: In a push towards digitisation and ease of doing business, the Directorate of Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday rolled out online services for issuance and renewal of trade licenses in fruit and vegetable markets across the Union Territory.
The initiative enables traders to apply for fresh licenses and renew existing ones through the Jan Sugam Portal, eliminating the need for repeated visits to government offices and reducing procedural delays. Officials said the move is expected to make the licensing process more efficient, time-bound, and transparent.
The services were launched by Ghulam Jeelani Zargar (JKAS) in the presence of Additional Secretary IT Devender Singh Bhau and Head of IT Cell Megha Khajuria, among other officials. The platform has been developed by the IT Cell of the Information Technology Department as part of a broader effort to digitise governance systems.
The introduction of online licensing is being seen as a step towards modernising the horticulture sector, which remains a key pillar of the region’s economy. By shifting to a digital framework, the department aims to simplify compliance for traders and ensure smoother functioning of market-related activities.
Officials said the initiative would not only enhance service delivery but also improve accessibility for stakeholders, particularly those operating in remote areas, by bringing essential services within reach through a single online platform.
The move aligns with the government’s broader focus on leveraging technology to improve administrative efficiency and create a more responsive system for citizens and business communities alike.
