LG Manoj Sinha Addresses ICC MSME Conclave 2026; Rahul Sahai Hails Religious Tourism Push, Calls for Nano GCC & MSME-Led Growth in J&K
Jammu, August 19, 2026: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu Chapter organised the 2nd Edition of ICC MSME Conclave 2026 on the theme “Shaping the Future of MSMEs, Religious Tourism, Nano GCCs and Technology-Led Growth” at Regale Park, Jammu.
The conclave was graced by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Sh. Manoj Sinha Ji, along with Sh. Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries & Commerce, J&K; Yuvraj Vikramaditya Singh, Trustee, Dharmarth Trust; Sh. Rakesh Sinha, CEO, Quintes Global; and Sh. Debmalya Banerjee, Regional Director, ICC, besides senior government officials, industry leaders, representatives of financial institutions, trade and industry associations and other distinguished guests.
Welcoming the gathering, Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Jammu Chapter, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble LG Manoj Sinha Ji for joining and blessing the conclave. Sahai said that under the LG’s leadership, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed remarkable progress in peace, infrastructure, tourism, industrial development and religious tourism, creating renewed confidence among entrepreneurs, investors and citizens.
Sahai particularly appreciated the transformation taking place in religious and pilgrimage tourism. He said Jammu has always been known as the “City of Temples”, but the initiatives undertaken in recent years have established this identity in its true sense.
He highlighted the development of infrastructure for the Tawi Aarti, saying that it has provided Jammu with a new spiritual and cultural attraction and is gradually emerging on the lines of the famous Ganga Aartis of Varanasi and Haridwar. He also referred to the growing popularity of the Aarti at Raghunath Ji Temple, which is adding vibrancy to the spiritual atmosphere of Jammu’s old city.
Sahai also appreciated the exceptional work undertaken for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, particularly improved infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, sanitation, security and coordinated arrangements for devotees. He said the proposed museum at Katra would further enrich the pilgrim experience by showcasing the spiritual, cultural and historical heritage of the region.
Referring to Jammu’s enormous pilgrimage potential, Sahai highlighted Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, Shiv Khori, Shri Raghunath Ji Temple, Bawe Wali Mata, Sudh Mahadev, Mantalai, Purmandal-Utterbehni, Machail Mata and Sukrala Mata, among several sacred destinations. He advocated stronger infrastructure and integrated pilgrimage circuits to position Jammu among India’s foremost religious-tourism destinations.
Sahai stressed that religious tourism is also a major economic activity, supporting thousands of MSMEs including hotels, restaurants, transporters, tour operators, traders, artisans and local service providers. He said efforts should be made to encourage pilgrims to extend their stay and experience Jammu’s temples, heritage, culture, cuisine and natural beauty.
He also appreciated the revival of religious and spiritual activities in Kashmir, including the successful organisation of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, improved arrangements at Shankaracharya Temple and Zeashta Devi Temple, and revival of the historic Sharda Temple at Teetwal. Sahai said the renewed celebration of traditional pujas, festivals and yatras at ancient temples across the Valley was helping preserve Kashmir’s spiritual heritage while strengthening peace, cultural harmony and religious tourism.
Thanking the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor for giving religious tourism a new direction, Sahai requested the entire gathering to stand and give a huge round of applause to Sh. Manoj Sinha Ji for his remarkable contribution towards the development and promotion of religious tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.
Turning to the economic agenda of the conclave, Sahai said MSMEs are the backbone of the economy, creating employment, encouraging entrepreneurship and ensuring inclusive development. He emphasised that better infrastructure, easier finance, digital adoption, faster approvals and stronger market linkages could enable J&K’s MSMEs to play a much larger role in India’s growth story.
Highlighting a new opportunity for J&K, Sahai said Nano Global Capability Centres (Nano GCCs) could create opportunities for educated youth, technology professionals and young entrepreneurs. He said Jammu possesses the talent and potential to emerge as a destination for technology-enabled services, innovation and global business operations.
The conclave featured a dedicated session titled “Jammu: The Gateway of Faith – Unlocking the Potential of Religious & Pilgrimage Tourism”, focusing on integrated pilgrimage circuits, infrastructure and connectivity, AI and digital transformation, spiritual and heritage tourism, and encouraging pilgrims to stay longer in Jammu.
Another major session, “Accelerating Industrial & MSME Growth in J&K: Infrastructure, Finance & Investment, Innovation & Exports,” deliberated on logistics and warehousing, green manufacturing, private industrial estates, digital finance, institutional credit, TReDS, Ease of Doing Business, technology-led MSME growth, exports and international value chains.
The sessions brought together experts and representatives from Industries & Commerce, Railways, ACTL, J&K Bank, SIDBI, ECGC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, academia, religious and cultural organisations and the tourism sector, providing a platform for practical recommendations and meaningful collaborations.
Concluding his welcome address, Rahul Sahai reaffirmed that ICC Jammu remains committed to acting as a bridge between the Government, industry, financial institutions and entrepreneurs and called for collective efforts to create an ecosystem where J&K’s MSMEs can grow, innovate and compete globally.
