Government lending Cold Shoulder to Kashmir Corporate Sector: Ghulam Nabi Tantray
Some construction contractors succeed and make a career of contracting and some fall by the wayside. Ghulam Nabi Tantray is one among the few contractors of kashmir who have attained par excellence in their field by virtue of magnificent works. In addition of leading and pioneering a successful construction company –“Tantray Constructions”, Ghulam Nabi Tantray has also achieved laurels in education sector. He currently is the Chairman of Al-noor B.Ed college and General Secretary of the Kashmir Private Bed colleges Association.
In an exclusive interview with “The Kashmir scenario” ,G.N.Tantray talks to Editor-in –Chief Malik Sajjid
How did you make entry into the world of construction?
In the year 1993, when I was pursuing my post graduate diploma in the University of Kashmir I went to my hometown Bandipora and started my business. I tried to start petrol pump but could not start due to some hiccups and then I started my workshop and unfortunately soon a militancy incident happened near it and it was seized by security forces. And, I became virtually jobless. Those were really tough times for me.
I remember one fine morning a friend ( ER.Abdul Rashid Bhat)of mine told me that he required my wielding machine which was lying idle in my workshop. After wielding few flinches, he paid me rs 2000 which was quiet handsome amount in those days . The journey moved further when I Went to cash the same amount, a relative of mine introduced me to Senior engineer, who gave me a task of repairing the departmental vehicle, the task which I Successfully accomplished.
After this success, I began to take petty works and after few years got a b grade contractor license and the same was elevated to “A” grade through my rigorous efforts and quality works. The construction of tedious Pump House at wullar lake Sopore was the first major work that I successfully completed and this accomplishment changed my career graph move positively.
What are the some of the prestigious projects that you have overtaken in your career as “contractor”?
Pump House at sopore, Accommodation for fire service at Bandipora, Famous eco-tourism park at Baramulla, Several other reputed projects of NHPCetc are some of the highlighting projects that have undertaken so far.
How was the family support been?
The family support has been unprecedented and quiet positive right from the beginning. My wife stood like a rock behind me during tough times, and the support of father and father-in-law has also been remarkable. Friends have also lent a great support.
What is your take on the difficulties faced by the contractors of Kashmir?
Yes, without a hint of doubt I would like to say that the contractors of Kashmir are going through tough times as payments are not made on time and delayed for quiet long intervals of time. Some of the projects are inaugurated with full fanfare, but the real brain behind building these projects-“The efficient contractor” is more often than not neglected by the authorities. The sanctioning of developmental works by the government is usually very late and this leaves us with very little time to complete the work and thus affects quality as well as quantity.
Our society has also failed to give due respect to the great brains and wits of contractors.
Since from past few years you have also ventured into the education sector, how has that experience been?
After setting my “Construction venture” on right track I handed the task of manning this to my younger brother who has successfully taken it forward. I am currently more into education sector as I run the famous Alnoor B.Ed college at Bandipora in partnership with other friends of mine.
I also happen to be the General Secretary of Kashmir Private BED Colleges association. Besides I also run few schools.
What is your take on the Government response to entrepreneurs of Kashmir?
The state government is unfortunately not lending the right support and as a matter of fact it is showing cold shoulder to the corporate sector of Kashmir. Take the case of bed colleges—from quiet a long time a large number of hurdles are being created in the way of our functioning.
The Kashmir University and Dean Colleges is using harassing tactics and introducing awkward regulations to hamper the functioning of bed colleges in Kashmir. The authorities should remember the golden fact that it is the mushrooming of bed education that has not only kick-started Kashmir’s education sector but given a new lease of life to its tourism industry. As you know thousands of students from outside states come to Kashmir to pursue bed education and thus this has brought in “Village Tourism” in to fore.
We are not selling harmful drugs, but we are selling education and we are proud of this fact. The Government and the concerned authorities should provide us support in our noble venture rather than creating hurdles.
What are your other ventures in the education sector?
I am currently aspiring to construct education institutions solely owned by me. In this regard, one is near completion in the Jammu City. I have other creative plans in the education sector which I cannot spill out until they are successfully executed.
What is your take on the development of your area Bandipora?
The area definitely possesses an enormous potential. As a matter of fact, the developmental scenario in the area is not all that bright. On account of lethargic approach of engineers of various agencies the developmental works in area are suffering.
What is your message?
I would like to appeal to youth of my region to first get the right exposure and then think of starting something constructive. I would like to appeal through your esteemed medium to the newly formed Civil Society of Kashmir to take note of recent developments. The Government is once again going in with joint ventures with not so famous NHPC. The Civil society should pressurise the Government to introduce equity shares for Public while constructing the power projects. Let masses of Kashmir Valley partner the state government in building power projects rather than outsiders reaping benefits.
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