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Industrial Grievances Echo Loud

The recently held mega industrial convention in Jammu has once again cast a spotlight on the simmering concerns of the Union Territory’s business and industrial community. Attended by a broad cross-section of industrialists from regions like Digiana, Bari Brahmana, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Ghatti, the event became an emphatic platform where decades of policy neglect, financial uncertainty, and infrastructural gaps were brought to the fore. The convention, spearheaded by the Trade and Industries Wing of a prominent regional political party, underlined the pressing need to revisit and reformulate Jammu and Kashmir’s industrial policy with sincerity, vision, and accountability.

One of the most urgent demands that resonated across the gathering was the release of pending financial incentives owed to local industrial units. It is alarming that several stakeholders have been waiting for GST-linked reimbursements and other entitled benefits for extended periods, which has placed immense strain on the working capital and sustainability of small and medium enterprises. The matter, though often acknowledged by the administration, demands not just policy clarity but swift execution. Local industries form the economic backbone of the region, and delaying these benefits stifles their potential, disrupts employment, and discourages new investment. Another critical concern raised at the convention was the near-complete stagnation in the expansion of commercial infrastructure in the region. It is disconcerting to note that apart from Bahu Plaza, no major commercial market has been developed in Jammu in the last three decades. In an era where urban economic zones are evolving rapidly, this lag reveals a fundamental policy gap. Instead of reallocating funds toward beautification and cosmetic renovations in already developed zones, the focus must shift toward constructing new industrial estates, logistics parks, commercial hubs, and service corridors that can propel regional trade and generate much-needed employment. The concerns voiced by stakeholders regarding the haphazard manner in which industrial plots were recently allotted also merit serious attention. Allegations that local entrepreneurs were overlooked in the process raise questions about transparency and the true intent behind such decisions. The state’s industrial policy must be inclusive and participatory, not merely a document of incentives but a framework that reflects regional aspirations, economic fairness, and procedural integrity. Another striking issue raised was the ambiguous outcome of the highly publicized Rs 85,000 crore investment commitments announced under recent MoUs. While the scale of these announcements generated considerable optimism, the absence of visible projects and employment generation on the ground has created a trust deficit. These promises must be backed by timelines, periodic public updates, and a mechanism for public scrutiny. Industrial development cannot thrive on declarations alone; it needs grounded action and measurable outcomes. Additionally, the convention also brought to light the strategic risks posed by the new Kashmir rail connectivity to Jammu’s local industrial base. Without adequate support and protective measures for local manufacturers, the shift in transport and logistics could make the region less competitive, adversely affecting its fragile industrial economy. The call for a special industrial revival package tailored specifically for Jammu is not just a political demand but a practical necessity to prevent economic marginalization and to balance regional development. Equally important is the recognition that the promotion of industries should not come at the cost of neglecting allied sectors like tourism. The industrial sector and tourism must be seen as complementary pillars. Destinations like Patnitop, Mansar, and Purthu Beach, if integrated with industrial corridors and transport plans, can generate wider economic dividends. This convergence of tourism and industry is critical for inclusive growth and livelihood creation.What the convention effectively did was amplify the collective voice of a region that feels overlooked. While the government has, on several occasions, reiterated its commitment to promoting industrialization, the on-ground realities paint a more sobering picture. What is required now is a bold, transparent, and inclusive approach that not only prioritizes financial and infrastructural revival but also gives voice to the local entrepreneurs who have kept the region’s economy afloat despite numerous challenges.

Jammu and Kashmir stand at a crucial juncture in their developmental journey. Industrial growth in this region should not remain confined to paper-bound policy blueprints or headline-grabbing announcements. It should translate into visible outcomes—functioning factories, bustling trade centers, streamlined governance, and empowered entrepreneurs. The convention has provided a timely wake-up call. It is now up to the J&K administration to listen, respond, and act with the urgency and transparency that the region’s economy desperately needs.

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