SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday said the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to the revival and growth of industries in Jammu and Kashmir. He was speaking at a mega industrial convention organised by the JKNC’s Trade and Industries Wing in Jammu.
Choudhary, who holds the Industries and Commerce portfolio, assured stakeholders that all pending incentives and benefits under UT jurisdiction would be released. He said the government would work to restore investor confidence, create jobs, and ensure greater local youth participation in the industrial sector.
The event was chaired by JKNC Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta, who demanded immediate release of incentives to local industrialists. He criticised the central government for withholding GST benefits and other financial support, and questioned the outcome of the Rs 85,000 crore MoU signed by the LG-led administration. Gupta also accused authorities of allotting industrial land in a manner that excluded local entrepreneurs.
Gupta warned that Kashmir rail connectivity could impact Jammu’s industrial economy if protective measures are not taken. He demanded a special package for industrial revival in the region.
CCI Jammu President Arun Gupta highlighted the lack of commercial infrastructure, pointing out that no new market has come up in Jammu in nearly three decades. He also criticised the Smart City initiative for focusing on renovation instead of development of new commercial hubs.
