Focussed on the development of small scale industries, the Regional Conference and Investors’ Meet is being organised in a very enthusiastic and hopeful atmosphere, said the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha at the MSME function in Jammu and Kashmir. I can say that in the last three-and-a-half years, a big change has occurred in Jammu and Kashmir the foundation of which was laid on August 5, 2019 with the strong will of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Throughout this industrial journey, a new direction came in April 2021 when under the guidance of the PM in Jammu and Kashmir, a new Industrial scheme was started. I am grateful to the Union Home Minister of India Amit Shah when we were formulating the schemes, he took a lot of interest in each step, LG said. In any other state, for investment there is not that much incentive as it is in Jammu and Kashmir, LG said. Therefore, new paths have opened up. Jammu Kashmir administration is trying to fulfil the aspirations of the common citizen. What the industry means to me personally is social emancipation through economic development and inclusive growth, LG said. Industry is the backbone of any sector which makes citizens self-supporting and improves their standard of living. We are trying to create such an environment, LG said. Under the guidance of the PM, India’s MSME economy is emerging as the most vibrant and dynamic sector. It is not only promoting entrepreneurship rather, it is also increasing the maximum in employment opportunities. Today in Jammu and Kashmir, there are more than thirty eight thousand micro and small enterprises run by women. In the last financial year, more than 18,000 women owned enterprises have got more than five hundred and sixty seven crore rupees amount given under the credit guarantee scheme. For growing MSMEs in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the administration took a big decision a couple of months back. For all government departments and public sector undertakings it has been made compulsory that 25% of their procurement will be from MSMEs only. Local filter has been made operational in the Government GEM e-marketplace to promote local MSMEs. We are giving the best incentive in Jammu and Kashmir, said the Lieutenant Governor. Along with this, connectivity is a big issue that one needs to know about. More than 1.25 lakh crore highway and tunnel works are going on here. The Katra-Delhi Greenfield Expressway getting constructed will be completed in the near future. Jammu to Srinagar used to take more than 10 hours. Today, you can reach in five-and-a-half hours in comfort. In a year from now, the distance from Jammu to Srinagr will be covered by anyone in a maximum of four hours. Rail connectivity will begin from this year’s end or beginning next year. We are trying to set up a clean, transparent and efficient system here. Free from fear and corruption, administration is not just a slogan. I think it’s our commitment and that’s the kind of work culture we all want to develop, LG said. It is also the moral responsibility of the citizens of the rest of the country. You come forward to integrate Kashmir with the whole of India. I think you will do a great job, LG concluded.