Over 200 Outside Investors Allocated Land in J&K to Establish Business Units
Jammu, March 16: In a significant development for Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial landscape, over 200 investors from outside the Union Territory have been allotted land in industrial estates over the past decade to set up their business units, according to official data. The trend of land acquisition by outside investors, particularly from states like Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab, has seen a dramatic rise following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019.
The data, released by the Industries and Commerce Department, highlights that the majority of these investors have shown a strong preference for the Jammu region, especially Kathua and Samba districts, while interest in the Kashmir Valley remains comparatively limited. Under the Industrial Policy 2016-26, a total of 28 entrepreneurs from across India were allotted more than 500 kanals of land in Samba and Kathua districts alone, with the size of land allotments tailored to the scale of their investment proposals.
The introduction of the amended Industrial Policy 2021-30, post the abrogation of Article 370, has further broadened the investor base, attracting businessmen from states such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This growing interest underscores Jammu and Kashmir’s potential as an emerging destination for industrial and economic investment.
Delhi leads the list with nearly 50 investors being allotted land, followed by Haryana (45), Punjab (43), Uttar Pradesh (14), Maharashtra (9), and seven each from Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh. This diverse influx of investors reflects the region’s increasing appeal as a viable hub for business and industry.
Officials explained that the land for industrial estates was transferred to the Industries and Commerce Department by the Revenue Department, which was then allocated to aspiring entrepreneurs in line with established policies and procedures. This streamlined process has been instrumental in attracting investments and fostering a business-friendly environment.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasized the government’s focus on key sectors under the Industrial Policy 2021-30, including manufacturing, IT and IT-enabled services, agriculture and food processing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and real estate, skill development, tourism and hospitality, film tourism, horticulture and post-harvest management, renewable energy, and handloom and handicrafts. He stated that various policy initiatives are being implemented to strengthen the industrial sector and position Jammu and Kashmir as an investor-friendly destination.
In a notable move to promote gender inclusivity in entrepreneurship, the policy also stipulates that any business enterprise with at least 51% stake held by women entrepreneurs will be eligible to apply for land allotment in designated industrial estates. This provision is expected to encourage greater participation of women in the region’s industrial growth.
