SRINAGAR, JULY 25: In a significant move to enhance industrial growth in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo held an extensive meeting with Union Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), S.C.L. Das. The meeting focused on the current industrial scenario in the Union Territory and explored long-term strategies to strengthen the MSME sector.
Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, and Secretary, Labour & Employment, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan also participated in the high-level discussion.
Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the need for a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap to ensure the sustainability and expansion of both existing and upcoming industrial units in the region. He highlighted how J&K’s unique geopolitical situation has historically posed logistical and connectivity challenges, which have impacted its industrial development.
Recognizing the MSME sector as a key driver of employment and economic growth, Dulloo urged the Ministry to provide targeted technical and financial support to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. He noted that J&K is now in a position to bridge the long-standing developmental gaps and that its youth must be equipped with opportunities and tools to become self-reliant.
He called for the introduction of dedicated programmes to nurture entrepreneurship among the youth, many of whom have been deprived of such opportunities in the past. He also stressed the importance of aligning skill development initiatives with emerging, technology-driven industries to prepare the local workforce for gainful employment.
The Chief Secretary suggested setting up platforms that would enable better market access, credit linkage, and business mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also encouraged the expansion of digital infrastructure to support MSMEs in both urban and rural areas of the UT.
Further, Dulloo sought the Ministry’s support in designing effective revival strategies for stressed and sick industrial units. He emphasized the need for customized interventions to rejuvenate these units, which play a vital role in the region’s economic and employment framework.
Union Secretary S.C.L. Das appreciated the UT administration’s renewed focus on industrial development and assured full cooperation from the Ministry. He said the Ministry will work closely with the administration to develop region-specific schemes, skill development modules, and infrastructure support to unlock the full potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s MSME sector.
