Srinagar, September 19, 2025– In a strategic push towards economic revitalization, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting of the Industries & Commerce Department today, spotlighting critical areas such as #EmploymentGeneration, #MSMESupport, #StartupsJ&K, #ArtisansWelfare, and bolstering #IndustrialInvestments to foster inclusive growth across the Union Territory.The session, convened at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, underscored the department’s robust performance in 2025–26, with an impressive realization of over ₹4,000 Cr in investments, the registration of 1,127 innovative #Startups, and comprehensive support extended to 4.39 lakh artisans under various welfare schemes. These milestones reflect a 25% surge in investment inflows compared to the previous fiscal, driven by policy reforms like single-window clearances and incentives under the J&K Industrial Policy 2024, positioning the region as a burgeoning hub for manufacturing and entrepreneurship.Abdullah emphasized the imperative of timely completion of ongoing #IndustrialEstates, including the flagship developments at Khunmoh and SIDCO Samba, to unlock immediate job opportunities for the youth.
“Our youth, artisans, and entrepreneurs are the backbone of J&K’s economy; ensuring benefits reach them swiftly is non-negotiable,” the Chief Minister asserted, directing officials to expedite land allotments and infrastructure upgrades. He also reviewed progress on the Artisans Credit Card Scheme and MSME clusters, advocating for digital integration to enhance market access for local crafts like Pashmina and walnut woodwork.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to transforming Jammu & Kashmir into a premier #InvestmentHub, Abdullah highlighted synergies with national initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. “Sustainable livelihood opportunities aren’t just goals—they’re our mandate. By nurturing #Startups and empowering artisans, we’re weaving a tapestry of self-reliance that benefits every corner of J&K,” he stated, calling for enhanced public-private partnerships to scale up exports and skill development programs.The meeting also addressed challenges like supply chain disruptions and funding gaps for micro-enterprises, with directives issued for targeted interventions, including subsidized credit for women-led #Startups and artisan cooperatives. Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Raj Kumar Bharti, presented a detailed dashboard on key performance indicators, noting that over 15,000 direct jobs have been created through recent investments in sectors like food processing, textiles, and IT-enabled services.As J&K strides towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, this review exemplifies proactive governance. Entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore opportunities via the official portal at investjandk.nic.in, where details on incentives, estate allocations, and #MSMESupport schemes are readily available. With Abdullah at the helm, the vision of a thriving, employment-rich J&K inches closer to reality—one investment, one startup, one artisan at a time.
