Jammu, March 29, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir government has embarked on a transformative journey to bolster industrial development across the region, announcing significant land allocations for the establishment of Industrial Estates dedicated to key sectors such as education, skill development, health, and information technology . This ambitious initiative, coupled with the registration of 596 startups under the newly implemented Jammu and Kashmir Start-Up Policy, signals a robust push towards economic revitalisation and innovation in the Union Territory.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary recently revealed that 14,956 Kanal and 15 Marla of land in the Jammu division and 6,745 Kanal and 19 Marla in the Kashmir division have been transferred for the creation of these Industrial Estates. Additionally, proposals for another 9,661 Kanal in Jammu and 5,000 Kanal in Kashmir have been submitted to further expand this network. These estates are strategically designed as sector-specific hubs, with over 3,628 Kanal earmarked specifically for education and skill development, health and medical education, and IT/IT-enabled services (ITeS), reflecting the government’s focus on fostering high-growth industries.
The Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30, a cornerstone of this development drive, identifies education and skill development as priority sectors, aligning with the Service Sector Positive List of the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021, issued by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade , Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. This policy framework has spurred entrepreneurial activity, with the Jammu and Kashmir Start-Up Policy, notified via Government Order No. 29-JK(IND) of 2024 dated February 23, 2024, registering 596 applicants. Of these, 436 have been officially recognised as startups, with 26 emerging in the education and skill development sector alone—a testament to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative educational ventures.
“The allocation of land for Industrial Estates and the surge in startup registrations are pivotal steps towards making Jammu and Kashmir an investor-friendly destination,” said Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary during a recent legislative session. “These efforts support critical sectors like education, skill development, health, and IT, which are essential for sustainable growth and job creation.” The government’s focus on ease of doing business, coupled with incentives like subsidies and an entrepreneurship and skill development fund, is designed to attract both local and national investors.
The rise of startups, particularly in education, underscores the region’s potential to address local needs while contributing to India’s broader innovation ecosystem. These 26 education-sector startups are poised to leverage the allocated land and policy support to develop solutions ranging from vocational training programs to digital learning platforms, enhancing skill development opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
This development comes at a time when the region is witnessing increased attention on multiple fronts, from security operations to cultural events. Posts on X have highlighted the government’s efforts, with users applauding the integration of modern sectors like IT and health into the industrial framework. The hashtag #JKEconomicGrowth has begun trending alongside unrelated but popular tags like #TATAIPL2025, #WorldBearDay, and #CSKvsMI, reflecting the diverse interests of the online community.
As Jammu and Kashmir positions itself as a burgeoning industrial and entrepreneurial hub, the government’s proactive measures—land allocation, policy support, and startup encouragement—promise to reshape the region’s economic landscape. With 596 startups already registered and Industrial Estates taking shape, the Union Territory is on track to become a model of balanced growth and innovation.