Jammu, 16-11-2024: Mr. Virendra Jain has been elected as the new president, and Mr. Sanjay Langar as the general secretary of the Association of Industries (AOI), Gangyal, for the 2024–26 term, following a closely contested election. The elections were conducted under the meticulous supervision of an Election Committee comprising Vipin Sharma, Ganesh Koul, Sunil Gandotra, Ajit Khajuria, and Manu Sharma. The process witnessed active participation from members, reflecting their commitment to democratic practices and the growth of the association.
The polling, which began at 10 a.m., concluded at 4 p.m., followed by the counting of votes from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. In the race for the presidency, Mr. Virendra Jain secured 182 votes, defeating the sitting president, Mr. Tejwant Singh Reen, who garnered 139 votes. This marks a significant leadership transition, promising a fresh vision and direction for the association.
A nail-biting contest ensued for the senior vice president post, where Mr. S.B. Abrol narrowly defeated Mr. Ashok Kumar Jain by just two votes, securing 159 against 157. Mr. Sandeep Ohri was elected vice president with 184 votes, outpacing his opponent, Mr. Vijay Kumar Sharma, who received 132 votes.
Mr. Sanjay Langar emerged as the general secretary with a decisive victory, earning 169 votes against A.S. Sachdev’s 152. For the position of secretary, Mr. Ajay Mahajan triumphed with 164 votes over Mr. Anil Kumar Raina’s 155. Mr. Jatinder Singh claimed the treasurer position with 186 votes, defeating Mr. Lavinder Singh Puri, who secured 131 votes.
The newly elected team has pledged to address the pressing concerns of the industrial community in Gangyal and work towards fostering growth, improving infrastructure, and resolving key policy issues. This leadership transition underscores the association’s vibrant democratic ethos, with a renewed focus on innovation and development aimed at uplifting industries in the region.
The industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir faces complex challenges that demand immediate and sustained attention. Inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power supply, logistical barriers, and limited access to affordable credit pose significant obstacles to growth. The absence of robust market linkages and export frameworks restricts the potential for local industries, while geographical constraints lead to excessive transportation costs. Compounding these issues is the lack of emphasis on skill development, which results in a shortage of a trained workforce essential for modern industries.
For industries in J&K to thrive, consistent policy support tailored to the region’s unique landscape is crucial. The new leadership, under Mr. Virendra Jain, is expected to address these concerns proactively. Strengthening engagement with government authorities to advocate for subsidies on power and transportation, along with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), should be high on the agenda. Streamlining access to credit and encouraging partnerships with larger industries can create a more conducive environment for growth. Additionally, promoting technology adoption and fostering innovation will enhance productivity and competitiveness across the industrial sector. A key area for immediate action is the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Procurement Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) 2024. Currently in the pipeline, this policy holds the promise of empowering small enterprises by streamlining procurement and ensuring equitable opportunities for local businesses. Simultaneously, the AOI leadership must advocate immediately for a central package of incentives tailored to J&K’s industrial needs. This package should address region-specific challenges through tax reliefs, infrastructure development, and direct subsidies to mitigate high operational costs, etc.
The association’s new leadership has a unique opportunity to transform these challenges into opportunities, driving sustained growth for J&K’s industrial sector. By fostering innovation, advocating for progressive policies, and nurturing collaboration among stakeholders, the AOI can pave the way for a dynamic and inclusive industrial ecosystem in the region.
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