KL Desk
Srinagar
In order to encourage entrepreneurship and curb levels of unemployment in the state, Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo Friday inaugurated “Counselling-cum-Facilitation Centre” at Industrial Estate, Sanath Nagar.
While addressing the gathering, Kichloo emphazised the need for setting up similar facilitation centres across the state so that our youth are made aware about taking up entrepreneurship as a potential career option. He said the youth should be accustomed to the success stories of our proven industrialists so that they get inspired to emulate them and tread their paths. “I am sure the Facilitation Centre will support and guide our youth in setting up viable industrial units and also update our existing unit-holders about the new technologies and techniques unveiling at the international level,” he added.
Asking the unit holders to focus on bulk production in their respective lines of manufacturing, Kichloo assured them marketing support within and outside the state so that they remain rate competitive and position themselves as quality brands. “We need to produce products in volume. For that substantial expansion of existing units is a prerequisite. I assure you of all help in increasing capacity of your units for which government provides hand holding through its package of incentives.” the Minister said, adding that focus should be on setting up industry in which we have strong backward linkages and raw material supplies.
The Minister assured FCIK that he will examine its demands for making Valley industrially vibrant and competitive. He said that all important aspects of industrial development will be closely looked at and discussed in the upcoming Industrial Advisory Committee meeting which is chaired by the Chief Minister.
Earlier, Director Industries, Kashmir, gave a detailed presentation about industrial scenario in the Valley. He informed the Minister that till date an investment of Rs. 1184.55 crores has been made by 15,730 units in both organized and unorganized sectors, registered with the Industries Department. Around 69,000 people have been employed in the industrial sector in the state and an amount of Rs. 2951.15 lakh has been provided as incentives under state and Central schemes during the last five years.
The Minister was informed that 22 industrial estates have been established in Kashmir Division so far and 10 more locations have been identified for setting up industrial estates in different districts of the state.
President, FCIK, Zahoor Bhat, in his address assured the Minister that his federation will work in tandem with the government so that a new era of industrial growth dawns in the valley. “We will soon meet the Minister and present our demands so that they are taken up with various stakeholders. This will enable us to grow and become competitive both within and outside the country.”
