SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that industrial land in the Union Territory has been allotted to non-residents under existing industrial policies, while denying any irregularities in the process. The disclosure was made in response to a query raised by MLA Mir Saifullah in the Legislative Assembly.
The Industries & Commerce Department said that the land allotments were carried out in accordance with the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30 (Amended Version) and the previous Industrial Policy 2016-26. The department provided a detailed list of non-resident allottees in Annexure A and Annexure B, asserting that the process adhered to established regulations.
Official documents reveal that non-residents from Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal have been granted land in various industrial estates. Under the Industrial Policy 2016-26, J K Power Solutions, Technoplast Packaging Pvt Ltd, Venky’s (India) Ltd, and Ispa Fashion India Pvt. Ltd. received a total of 10 kanals in Kathua district. Under the Industrial Policy 2021-30, significantly larger allocations were made in Samba district’s IGC Phase-III estate, where M/s Kandhari Beverages Pvt. Ltd. was allotted 100 kanals, while M/s Shiva Overseas, M/s MVD Chemical & Minerals, M/s The Indian Wood Products Co. Ltd, and M/s Anmol Feeds Pvt Ltd received a combined 157 kanals.
Addressing concerns over whether these allocations violated any laws, the government firmly denied any wrongdoing. The Industries and Commerce Department reiterated that due process was followed in all cases, with land allotments made strictly within the policy framework. It also dismissed allegations that local entrepreneurs were overlooked in favour of non-residents, stating that the allocations were aimed at fostering industrial development.
However, opposition members have raised concerns that granting industrial land to non-residents could place local businesses at a disadvantage. Critics argue that priority should be given to local entrepreneurs to ensure that economic benefits remain within Jammu & Kashmir, generating employment for residents. The government maintains that attracting outside investment is crucial for economic growth and industrial expansion.
To reinforce transparency, the government has provided a detailed breakdown of non-resident allotments in Annexure C, covering the past two years. With industrial development being a key government priority, the issue is expected to remain a subject of debate in the Legislative Assembly in the coming months. (KNO)
