Jammu and Kashmir industrial package will be Sanjeevani in generating employment for youth: LG Manoj Sinha

“In the last seven decades, industry was not full-fledged established in Jammu and Kashmir but I am sure that new industrial package of Rs 28,400 crore announced by the Centre, will open avenues and act as ‘sanjeevani’ for youth across the Union Territory,” Mr Sinha said in an interview to a TV channel.

Thanking the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for personally monitoring and framing the J&K Industrial Package, Mr Sinha said, “instead of indulging into blame game, I believe in moving forward for development and progress.”

He however, said that many big names like Tata, Wipro, Ashok Leyland, have already started contributing efficiently and have begun engaging youth through skill development programmes.

“This package has two to three motives, firstly the holistic development of the entire J&K UT,” said the LG, adding that in many states, specific industry zones were developed but this industrial policy will take investment to a block level.

“We have decided to create A and B zones under which backward areas with special subsidy get focused and it will surely bring a boom in the industrial sector,” Mr Sinha said.
Secondly, the LG said that people in Jammu and Kashmir remained dependent on government jobs but with this package, investment will be doubled and more than 5 lakh employment avenues will be generated.

He added that potential will be tapped and optimum resources will be utilized in coming days, adding the LG said, “list of industries to get boost, is ready while manufacturing and service sectors will also get focus.”

As of now, 13 sectors are identified for major investments and industrial investment will now not only remain restricted to Jammu and Srinagar areas only but every block level will be benefitted, he added.

Capital interest, GST linked and Incentives for working units are few identified incentives in the industrial sector, he said and assured that in coming 2-3 years, J&K will see a boom in sectors like IT, hotels, service, educational institutions, health, food and processing, sports and manufacturing.

“Due to COVID, the ongoing work was hit badly but now the roadmap is ready and rail is on track,” he expressed, saying that existing industry will also flourish and new investment is also being attracted.

The LG also assured that providing security to every big industrialist investing in Jammu and Kashmir is their responsibility and added, “as compared to previous situation, presently it is very peaceful and normalcy is limping back.”

“Either, it is infiltration, terrorist related activities or recruitments, the numbers has come down and in coming days, Jammu and Kashmir will be completely a peaceful state,” he said and lauded the security forces for their synergy and coordination in which manner they are fighting against terrorism.

“Barring few incidents, normalcy is restored in J&K. Transparent DDC polls without any violence related incidence have cleared that people are fed up of terrorism and they want to live in peace,” said Mr Sinha.

Meanwhile on infrastructure, the LG said that under PMDP, larger development has taken place.

All requisites for well established industry like rail route, air or road connectivity, J&K is well connected, in the power sector also huge investment is being made for 24x7 electricity supply and in coming days, we are also heading towards solar power, he maintained.

He also revealed that many FDI investors are interested to invest in J&K. The LG said that a special package of 1375 crore was already announced for J&K industrialists, subsidy in power sector and MoU with Flipkart and Amazon like groups to further promote and export products like horticulture and handicrafts of J&K.

On the tourism sector, Mr Sinha expressed satisfaction and happiness that this sector has started reviving after COVID Unlock and tourists have started flooding to many destinations, which is a healthy sign.