AOI Gangyal Welcomes Draft Industrial Policy2026-35 Review, Seeks Equal Focus on Existing MSMEs

Jammu, 25-09-2026: The Association of Industries (Regd.) held an emergency meeting. Gangyal was held under the Chairmanship of its President Sh. Virendra Jain. The members have welcomed the Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdulla’s initiative to review the Draft J&K Industrial Policy 2026–35, stating that the proposed policy presents an important opportunity to give fresh impetus to industrial development and address the long-standing concerns of the existing industrial sector.

The members of AOI said that while attracting fresh investment is important for economic growth, the new Industrial Policy must give equal and adequate attention to existing industrial units, particularly MSMEs, which have already invested substantial capital, generated employment and contributed significantly to the economy of J&K.

The president Sh. Virendra Jain said the Industrial Policy should be finalized after considering all the practical difficulties faced by entrepreneurs on the ground and should provide a stable, transparent and industry-friendly framework for both new and existing industries.

Sh. Virendra Jain said existing industries are the backbone of the industrial sector and have continued operations despite several challenges, including high input costs, locational disadvantage and disturbed circumstances.

Sh. Virendra Jain emphasized that while the incentives for new investors be adequately provided but these should not create uneven playing field for existing industrial units at any stage.

“An entrepreneur who has already invested hard-earned capital, created employment and contributed to the government exchequer must not feel disadvantaged merely because the unit was established earlier. The new policy should provide a strong framework for the modernization, expansion, diversification and technological upgradation of existing industries,” Jain said.

Sh. Virendra Jain also called for a mechanism to ensure the time-bound release of all Fiscal Incentives. He said delays in disbursing sanctioned incentives can adversely affect the working capital position of MSMEs and discourage further investment.

The Association welcomed efforts to improve the Ease of doing Business but said the process needs to be strengthened and suitably continued for timely reviews.

Sh. Virendra Jain called for an effective single-window clearance system, time-bound approvals, reduced documentation and greater reliance on self-certification wherever legally permissible. He said entrepreneurs should be able to focus on production, employment and investment rather than spending excessive time addressing procedural requirements.

Sh. Virendra Jain said MSMEs require special attention under the new policy because they operate with comparatively limited financial resources and are more vulnerable to market fluctuations and rising costs.

He said the J&K Industrial Policy 2026–35 should provide long-term clarity regarding incentives, taxation, power, infrastructure, approvals and other regulatory matters.

He said that the existing entrepreneurs/Stake holders should be taken into confidence before the policy is finalized, as Industrial Associations can provide valuable ground-level input on the challenges faced by manufacturing units.

Association of Industries (Regd.) Gangyal urged the Hon’ble LG Sh. Manoj Sinhaji, Hon’ble Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdulla ji, Dy Chief Minister Sh. Surinder Choudhary ji, Chief Secretary Sh. Atal Dulloo ji, Financial Commissioner (Finance) Sh. Shailendra Kumar ji and Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce Sh. Vikramjeet Singhji that the genuine concerns of the Industrial Sector may be taken into consideration and formulate a policy that provides a stable, competitive and sustainable industrial environment in Jammu & Kashmir.

The meeting attended by the Office Bearers S/Sh. Ashok Jain. Sr. Vice President/Ajay Kumar Mahajan, Vice President, Sanjay Langar, General Secretary, Jatinder Singh, Secretary and Vishal Gupta, Treasurer.