Jammu, July 15: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), led by Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta, on Monday called on Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary to discuss urgent measures for reviving the region’s industrial sector and harnessing its newly discovered lithium reserves.
The delegation included Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Provincial Secretary Jammu; Vijay Lochan, Chairman JKNC SC Cell; and Rakesh Singh Raka, Vice President Central Zone JKNC.
Highlighting the recent discovery of 5.9 million tonnes of lithium reserves in Reasi district, Gupta described it as a potential “game-changer” for the economy of the Jammu region. He urged the government to establish a dedicated lithium processing and allied industrial hub in Reasi, saying it could “transform the district and create significant employment opportunities for local youth.”
The NC leaders also expressed concern over what they described as the deteriorating condition of traditional industries in Jammu and Kashmir. Gupta criticised what he called the “anti-industrial policies” of successive BJP-led regimes, claiming these had discouraged investors and forced many local industrial units into sickness.
Referring to a recent mega industrial event in Jammu, where industrialists voiced their challenges, Gupta appealed to the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to seriously consider their feedback and introduce corrective measures to revive investor confidence.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who also holds the Industries portfolio, assured the delegation of his commitment to promoting industrial development. He acknowledged the strategic importance of the lithium reserves in Reasi, describing them as an opportunity to place J&K on the national industrial map. Choudhary said he would take up the proposal for a processing hub and related industries with central authorities on priority.
Recent Comments