Jammu I March 17, 2025 – In a significant boost to industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir , over 200 investors from outside the Union Territory have been allotted land to establish business units. The allotments, primarily in industrial hubs like Kathua and Samba, are part of a strategic push under the Industrial Policy 2016-26 and the amended 2021-30 Land Allotment Policy to attract investment post the 2019 reorganisation of J&K.
Sources indicate that Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab lead the investor pool, contributing nearly 140 allottees, with others from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and beyond. The government has processed over 8,500 investment proposals worth Rs 1.69 lakh crore, promising over 6 lakh jobs. While the Jammu region sees robust interest, the Kashmir Valley lags behind.
The move has stirred debate, with supporters hailing it as an economic leap forward and critics questioning the prioritization of non-local investors. The J&K administration defends the process, highlighting transparency and incentives like GST relief and support for women-led ventures.