The Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024 is a major step toward industrial transformation in Jammu & Kashmir. With 424 of 434 reform points accomplished and the rest scheduled for completion by March 2025, the plan aims to improve regulatory efficiency, compliance, and business conditions. Quantitative indicators indicate progress, but empirical observations show that policy intentions and on-the-ground outcomes differ. These reforms are thorough, but their advantages have not yet reached the grassroots level, particularly MSMEs, which are the region’s economic bedrock after tourism and horticulture.
The recent review meeting presided over by the Chief Secretary underscored the imperative to identify and eliminate obsolete regulations and redundant compliance requirements that act as impediments to business growth. A special focus was given to the digitization of the Single Window System, aiming to ensure that all services are provided within clearly defined timeframes. While these efforts are truly praiseworthy in their goals, their rollout has faced some notable hurdles, such as delays in administration, varying levels of familiarity with digital tools, and limitations in infrastructure. For example, many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in hilly and rural areas, find it challenging to access and navigate online platforms due to a lack of awareness and technical know-how. Addressing these gaps will require a thoughtful and inclusive approach to ensure the benefits of these initiatives reach everyone effectively. Addressing the disconnect between policy aspirations and practical realities necessitates the adoption of a more proactive, inclusive, and context-sensitive approach. The digitization of data pertaining to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), along with the appointment of a nodal officer to supervise the process, represents a progressive and well-intentioned step forward. However, the efficacy of these measures hinges on their capacity to address the persistent systemic challenges that continue to hinder the growth of small businesses. Issues such as complexities in land acquisition, unresolved land disputes, speedy land allotment to local entrepreneurs, inconsistent power supply, and inadequate connectivity, and lack of industrial infrastructure remain significant obstacles, often causing project delays and undermining investor confidence. Additionally, a notable disconnect exists between the skill sets of Jammu and Kashmir’s highly educated workforce and the requirements of the contemporary job market. This misalignment has contributed to underemployment and outward migration, further compounding the region’s economic difficulties. While BRAP 2024 seeks to establish a predictable and stable regulatory framework, its influence on attracting foreign and domestic investments has been modest. Despite the submission of substantial investment proposals, a considerable portion of these remain unimplemented, underscoring the disparity between policy declarations and their practical execution. To address this gap, it is imperative for the government to focus on consistent policy enforcement, streamlined dispute resolution mechanisms, and greater transparency in governance. Strengthening outreach efforts and awareness initiatives, alongside providing practical assistance through dedicated help desks, can empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by BRAP-driven reforms. Such measures would foster a more inclusive and effective implementation of the policy framework. The focus on policy enhancements in key industries such as logistics, real estate, labor laws, and environmental clearances reflects a strategic approach to unlocking J&K’s growth potential. However, the region’s fragile ecosystem and reliance on tourism necessitate a balanced approach that promotes sustainable development. Green industries and eco-friendly practices must be integrated into the broader industrial policy to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of environmental preservation. As BRAP 2024 progresses toward its culmination, the ultimate test lies in its ability to translate policy into practice. The road ahead requires collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and civil society to ensure that the benefits of these reforms reach every corner of the region. While the plan’s vision is laudable, its success will depend on addressing ground-level realities, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring sustainable development. Only then can J&K emerge as a vibrant industrial hub, driving long-term growth and prosperity for its people. The time has come to move beyond rhetoric and focus on delivering tangible results that truly transform the lives of Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens. The impact of the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) in Jammu and Kashmir can be assessed through multiple indicators reflecting economic growth and ease of doing business. Improvements in EoDB rankings and comparative performance with other states highlight the region’s progress in regulatory efficiency. A rise in investment inflows, industrial expansion, and start-up growth demonstrates the success of business-friendly policies. Additionally, reduced compliance burdens, such as streamlined approvals and digitalized processes, enhance operational efficiency for businesses. Employment generation across industries, particularly in MSMEs and start-ups, further validates the effectiveness of reforms. Stakeholder feedback, including industry and investor sentiment, provides qualitative insights into challenges and opportunities. Sector-specific progress in IT, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare, along with advancements in infrastructure and digital transformation, ensures sustained economic development. A holistic evaluation of these factors will determine BRAP’s long-term impact in fostering an enabling business environment and driving industrial growth in Jammu and Kashmir. To effectively assess the impact of the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), the Jammu and Kashmir government should adopt a comprehensive evaluation framework. This includes regular performance audits to track ease of doing business improvements, ensuring reforms translate into tangible benefits. Establishing a feedback mechanism with industries, start-ups, and MSMEs will provide real-time insights into implementation challenges. Comparative analysis with other states and global benchmarks can highlight areas for further enhancement. Strengthening digital infrastructure and simplifying compliance procedures will ensure accessibility across urban and rural sectors. Additionally, focusing on employment generation data, investment inflows, and sectoral growth will help measure economic progress. Enhanced public-private collaboration and outcome-driven monitoring will ensure sustained reform impact, fostering a thriving business ecosystem in J&K.
The Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024 holds immense potential for Jammu and Kashmir, but its success hinges on addressing glaring implementation gaps. Bureaucratic inertia, infrastructural deficiencies, and limited digital literacy among MSMEs are stifling progress. To bridge this divide, the government must prioritize aggressive outreach, hands-on support, and skill development programs tailored to industry needs. Streamlining land acquisition and land allotment, speedy industrial infrastructure development, timely disbursement of incentives, consistent industrial policies, ensuring reliable power supply, and improving connectivity are non-negotiable for attracting investments. Transparency, accountability, and consistent policy execution must replace hollow promises. J&K’s future depends on transforming BRAP from a paper plan into a ground reality, fostering inclusive, sustainable, and equitable growth.
– The Editorial Board