The interaction between the advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and representatives of industrial and trade associations of Jammu province must be seen as an important step towards addressing the real concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial sector. At a time when industries are facing pressure from high input costs, market limitations, logistics challenges, and policy uncertainty, such dialogue is not just desirable but necessary. The industrial sector cannot be strengthened through formal assurances alone. It needs practical support, timely decisions and a policy environment that understands the difficulties of those who create employment and sustain local economic activity.
The concerns raised by industrial representatives deserve serious consideration. Their observation that there is presently no fiscal package available for industries in Jammu and Kashmir reflects a larger anxiety among existing units. Industries in this region operate under conditions that are very different from those in larger industrial states. Distance from major markets, higher transportation costs, limited raw material access, and infrastructure gaps make production more expensive and competition more difficult. In such a situation, fiscal support is not a favour to industry. It is a necessary instrument to ensure survival, growth, and employment generation. The demand for continuation of turnover incentives and extension of benefits under the New Central Sector Scheme is therefore justified. Existing industrial units must not be ignored while framing future policy. New investment is important, but the units that have already invested, employed local youth and remained operational despite difficult conditions must receive equal attention. A policy that attracts fresh investors but leaves existing industries struggling cannot create a stable industrial ecosystem. Jammu and Kashmir needs both new investment and protection of its existing productive base. The proposed logistics policy and public procurement policy offer a timely opportunity to correct structural weaknesses. Logistics remains one of the biggest barriers for industries in Jammu and Kashmir. A well-framed policy can reduce costs, streamline transportation and improve supply chain efficiency. Similarly, a strong public procurement policy can give fair priority to local industries, ensuring that government spending supports local production, local jobs and local entrepreneurship. If implemented honestly, these policies can become turning points for industrial confidence. Ease of doing business must also be treated with seriousness. Industrialists have rightly sought auto-renewal mechanisms for Green Category Units and extensions in EM-I registrations for units allotted land at Balole Industrial Estate. These are not minor procedural issues. Delays, repeated renewals and avoidable paperwork discourage entrepreneurs and weaken productivity. The government must ensure that departments become facilitators, not obstacles. Regulatory systems should protect public interest, but they should not punish honest businesses through unnecessary delays. Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani’s emphasis on making industries more vibrant and competitive is welcome. His focus on localised industries, particularly agro-based and wool-based sectors, also reflects a practical understanding of Jammu and Kashmir’s strengths. The Union Territory cannot depend only on outside models of industrialisation. It must build on its own resources, skills, traditions and market potential. Woollen products, agro-processing, traditional crafts, food-based enterprises, tourism-linked services and local manufacturing can generate employment while preserving regional identity. The suggestion to develop dedicated trekking tourism routes also deserves attention. Industrial development should not be viewed in isolation. Tourism, transport, handicrafts, hospitality, local food products and digital services can together create a strong economic chain. A trekking route can generate a livelihood for guides, transporters, homestay owners, artisans and small vendors. This is the kind of integrated growth Jammu and Kashmir needs, where one sector strengthens another and benefits reach the grassroots.
At the same time, the industrial sector must also prepare for the future. Artificial Intelligence, e-commerce, digital branding and service-sector expansion are no longer optional. They are essential tools for competitiveness. Local enterprises must be supported through training, digital access, marketing platforms and credit linkages so that they can move beyond traditional limitations and reach wider markets.
Finally, the government must support industry with clarity, speed and accountability, while industries must contribute through investment, innovation and employment creation. With sincere pursuit of policy support, procurement preference, logistics reform, fiscal incentives and regulatory simplification, Jammu and Kashmir can move towards a stronger, self-reliant and employment-orientated economy. This is not merely an industrial demand. It is a developmental necessity.