 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 26: A delegation of the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Jammu & Kashmir Council today met Vikramjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and submitted a detailed industry representation highlighting key policy interventions required for strengthening the industrial and business ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The delegation was led by Manik Batra, Chairman, and Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman, along with Amit Khajuria, Assistant Director, ASSOCHAM J&K.
The meeting was also attended by the Arun Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Sudershan Kumar, Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), and Pardeep Singh, Managing Directors of SIDCO and SICOP, reflecting a comprehensive engagement with all major industrial development agencies.
During the interaction, the ASSOCHAM delegation apprised the Principal Secretary of various structural and operational challenges being faced by industries, particularly in the Jammu region. The representation focused on the need for a dedicated Logistics and Warehousing Policy, a special financial assistance framework for MSMEs, and policy support for industrial units affected by land allotment constraints under the New Industrial Policy 2021.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of strengthening the startup ecosystem through greater clarity on funding mechanisms, venture capital participation, and risk-sharing frameworks, and sought due consideration for earlier applicants in the allocation of upcoming industrial estates announced in the recent Budget.
Speaking on the occasion, Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, said:
"The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has taken several positive steps under the New Industrial Policy, which have generated renewed interest among investors. However, certain structural gaps-particularly in logistics, MSME financing, and land-related issues-need timely policy intervention to ensure sustainability of existing industries and long-term industrial growth."
Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, emphasised:
"A strong logistics and warehousing framework, coupled with targeted financial support for MSMEs and startups, can significantly improve ease of doing business in the region. Addressing genuine concerns of earlier applicants under the Industrial Policy will also reinforce investor confidence and policy credibility."
ASSOCHAM J&K Council appreciated the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Government under the New Industrial Policy and allied reforms, and emphasised that timely policy interventions in the highlighted areas would go a long way in enhancing investor confidence, generating employment, and ensuring balanced regional development in Jammu & Kashmir.
Vikramjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, assured the delegation that the concerns and suggestions put forth would be examined in detail in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders. |
