Jammu, Mar 12: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Wednesday made it clear that industries setting up operations in the Union Territory must provide employment to local youth, asserting that industrial development will not come at the cost of the people.
Speaking during the Question Hour in the Assembly, Choudhary credited successive National Conference (NC) governments for laying the foundation of industrial growth in J&K and emphasized that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remains committed to expanding the sector while safeguarding local interests.
“Those who will set up industries in Jammu and Kashmir will have to provide employment to local youth,” Choudhary stated, responding to supplementary questions. “It is our government’s firm commitment to ensure that no injustice is done to the people of J&K.”
When BJP MLA Rajiv Jasrotia raised concerns over land allotment for industries, Choudhary reaffirmed the government’s stand, saying, “We will not allow the lands of the people of J&K to be given to outsiders. Whatever is right will be done.”
Reviving Local Industry
The Deputy CM acknowledged that the local industrial sector had suffered losses over the past decade, with little done to address youth employment. However, he said the new administration, under Omar Abdullah, was determined to change that.
“After forming the government, the Chief Minister immediately held discussions with various stakeholders to revive local industries. Our commitment is to support local entrepreneurs and ensure sustained industrial growth,” he said.
Highlighting the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30, Choudhary said it is designed to boost diverse sectors, including manufacturing, IT, agriculture, food processing, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and herbal and medicinal plants.
Key Incentives Under the Policy
The policy offers several incentives to encourage investment:
- 100% subsidy for purchasing and installing DG sets (up to ₹45 lakh).
- Exemption of stamp duty and court fees on land transactions in government industrial estates.
- 25% subsidy on automation, 30% subsidy on machinery procurement, and quality certification support.
- 60% subsidy for pollution control devices and 50% subsidy on eco-friendly production technology.
- 100% SGST reimbursement for eligible units registered under GST in J&K as of March 31, 2021, for 10 years.
- Turnover incentives of 3% for micro units and 2% for small, medium, and large enterprises for five years.
Entrepreneurship and Skill Development
To empower local youth, Choudhary announced the creation of a dedicated entrepreneur and skill development fund. This initiative, in collaboration with the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) and other premier institutions, will offer training and mentorship to young entrepreneurs.
Ease of Doing Business & Investment Promotion
The government is working to streamline the business environment through a single-window setup under the Industrial Investments and Business Facilitation Act, 2018. This will fast-track approvals, licences, and procedural clearances, making J&K an investor-friendly destination.
The Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) has been designated as the primary investment promotion agency, while industrial grievance forums will ensure swift resolution of industry-related concerns.
Central Sector Scheme & Women Entrepreneurs
The Union government has introduced a new central sector scheme with a financial outlay of ₹28,400 crore for industrial development in J&K, covering the period from April 1, 2021, to March 31, 2037.
Special incentives will also be provided for women entrepreneurs, including reserved marks in land allotment and financial assistance under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
Mining & Infrastructure Support
Choudhary revealed that the administration has approved multiple mining leases and permits to facilitate essential construction projects across the Union Territory, supporting the rapid expansion of infrastructure.
With these measures, the Omar Abdullah-led government aims to balance industrial growth with local employment generation, ensuring that J&K’s economic progress directly benefits its people.
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