Industries and Commerce Minister to Lead Seven Key Boards and Corporations
Jammu, Jan 20: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, who also holds the portfolio of Minister for Industries and Commerce (I&C), has been appointed as the head of six Boards and Corporations that were reconstituted today. This move is expected to streamline governance and enhance the performance of these vital organizations.
According to the official order, Choudhary will now chair the Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation, the Khadi and Village Industries Board, Jammu and Kashmir Cements Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Industries Limited, Jammu and Kashmir Small-Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited, and Jammu and Kashmir State Industrial Development Corporation. The reconstitution includes appointing senior officials as Directors, ensuring professional oversight and management under the Industries and Commerce Ministry’s leadership.
This restructuring marks a shift in leadership as Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, who previously chaired the Khadi and Village Industries Board, will now hand over the reins to the Minister for Industries and Commerce. The consolidation of these Boards and Corporations under one leadership aims to foster coordinated efforts for the development of industries and commerce across Jammu and Kashmir.
The decision is seen as a strategic step toward revitalizing key sectors such as handicrafts, handlooms, and small-scale industries, which are integral to the region’s economy and employment generation. By bringing these organizations under a unified leadership, the government seeks to improve operational efficiency, policy implementation, and resource allocation.
This development aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting industrial growth, supporting traditional crafts, and encouraging entrepreneurship in the Union Territory. The leadership of the Deputy Chief Minister is expected to inject renewed focus and vigor into these institutions, enhancing their capacity to contribute to the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.
