Tag: vendor

SRINAGAR: After artists cried foul over their payments, official sources said that the delay in making payments to the vendors was due to delay in the submission of bills by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI), which managed the Dubai Expo 2020 event, officials said on Thursday.

Dubai Expo 2020, which took place in January 2022, was managed by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI), as per a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Department of Commerce (DoC) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. FICCI was tasked with hiring suppliers, service providers, and keeping a tally of expenses for the event, which hosted numerous activities. However, there was a delay in bill submission by FICCI, and the changing of the guard at the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) led to a further delay in payments to vendors, according to officials.

Despite the delay in payments, officials stated that the agreed-upon performance fees were paid to the artists involved in the cultural troupe, in line with rates provided by the Cultural Academy, J&K. Approximately Rs. 17 Lacs were spent on the boarding and lodging of the 11 artists who participated, the officials added.

The Dubai Expo 2020 event aimed to bring together a global community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and cultural enthusiasts to exchange insights and help inspire creative solutions to pressing challenges. Over the span of six months, the event featured numerous pavilions, exhibits, and program offerings. The expo was held under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. Despite the delay in payments to vendors, the event is considered a significant showcase for the UAE, a country that has positioned itself as a major hub for innovation and commerce in the region.

Earlier, the artists association held a press conference in Srinagar in which they accused a top J&K administration official of “fraud” by withholding their payment for their performance in the event.

Addressing a press conference, Kashmiri singer and JK Artists Association convenor Mehmeet Syed charged the current Handloom and Handicraft Department Director and former Department of Industries and Commerce director, Mehmood Shah of committing “fraud” and demanded an inquiry against him.