J&K’s Revised Industrial Policy Nears Final Stage, Deputy CM Says

The revised Industrial Policy for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has reached its final stage, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said in Srinagar on Tuesday, Oct 6. He assured that the shortcomings and instances of alleged selective treatment witnessed under the previous policy would not be repeated.

Choudhary said the revised policy had been prepared after extensive work by the concerned officers under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He added that the policy would be implemented soon.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the government was working to remove existing bottlenecks in the industrial sector. It would also ensure that the benefits of the industrial package reached eligible beneficiaries in a fair and transparent manner.

Choudhary referred to the Rs 28,400-crore industrial package received for Jammu and Kashmir. He said its utilisation could have been more effective in the past. According to him, better implementation of the package would have addressed several concerns raised by industrialists and industry chambers.

The revised policy has been under consideration after consultations with stakeholders. The draft was first placed in the public domain to invite suggestions and comments.

Following this, a committee constituted by the General Administration Department examined the feedback. The committee also held consultations with stakeholders before incorporating appropriate suggestions into the draft.

The policy was reviewed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in September. During the review, directions were given for a balanced and pragmatic framework.

The framework is focused on investment, local employment, market access and ease of doing business. It also aims to create a stronger implementation mechanism for the policy.

The government has said the revised framework is intended to address the gaps in the previous policy and ensure that the industrial package is delivered in a fair and transparent manner. Choudhary’s assurance came as the policy moved towards finalisation and implementation.