SRINAGAR: On Monday, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the reconstitution of the Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) board, marking a significant administrative shift. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has been appointed as the new chairperson, replacing Hina Bhat, a senior BJP leader and the outgoing head of the board.
Ms Bhat, who joined the BJP before the 2014 elections, was appointed as the KVIB chairperson on December 6, 2018, by the then-governor’s administration. She held the position with ministerial status and continued in office for more than three months after the recent assembly elections, despite the convention of political appointees resigning following a change in government. Omar Abdullah’s National Conference secured a landslide victory in the elections, ushering in a new administration.
Interestingly, during this period, Ms Bhat and other BJP appointees retained their positions and convened official meetings. Her last official function was in Pulwama, where she attended an awareness camp on JKREGP/PMEGP schemes organised by the KVIB at Town Hall Pulwama as the chief guest on January 18, 2025, a day ahead of her replacement.
“Unlock your potential with KVIB schemes! Empowering youth with opportunities in entrepreneurship, skill development, and self-reliance. 🌟 Take the first step towards a brighter future today! #KVIB #YouthEmpowerment #SelfReliance”@PMOIndia @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/ZGaPa8Kyea
— Dr Hina Shafi Bhat (@drhinabhat) January 18, 2025
The government’s reconstitution order states: “In supersession of all previous orders issued on the subject, Board of Directors of J&K Khadi and Village Industries Board is reconstituted.”
The new board includes senior administrative officials such as the Administrative Secretaries of Finance, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, and Industries and Commerce Departments, as well as other key officers, including the Registrar of Cooperative Societies and the Mission Director of the Rural Livelihood Mission.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, in his capacity as the new chairman, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the KVIB, which plays a vital role in promoting rural industries and employment in the Union Territory.
Ms Bhat’s removal marks the end of a significant tenure, during which she was a prominent figure in the BJP-led administration. The decision to reconstitute the board reflects the National Conference-led government’s intent to restructure key institutions and align them with its governance priorities.
