Srinagar, June 24, 2025 – Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as a burgeoning hub for industrial growth, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announcing that the Union Territory has attracted ₹28,400 crore in industrial incentives under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS-2021) in just two and a half years. This milestone underscores J&K’s transformation into an attractive destination for investment, driven by progressive industrial policies, employment generation, and infrastructure development.
A New Era of Industrial Growth
Speaking at the Mega Job Fair 2025 in Jammu, LG Sinha highlighted the Union Territory’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities, and boosting industrial development. “Employment generation, self-employment through entrepreneurship, and improving employability through educational transformation remain our top priorities,” Sinha stated. The event saw participation from 57 companies, with over 3,700 youth registering for employment opportunities, reflecting the region’s vibrant economic momentum.
Under the NCSS-2021, industries in J&K have availed incentives worth ₹28,400 crore, catalyzing significant economic activity. Investment projects worth ₹45,000 crore are either completed or under implementation, with ₹10,000 crore worth of projects already operational and ₹15,000 crore set to commence this year. Additionally, investment proposals worth ₹60,000 crore are pending, signaling robust investor confidence in J&K’s industrial ecosystem.
Keywords: Industrial incentives, NCSS-2021, employment generation, investment proposals, J&K economy, entrepreneurship, industrial policy, youth employment, infrastructure development.
Key Highlights of Industrial Progress
The LG emphasized the transformative role of the New Industrial Development Scheme, which has streamlined investment processes and prioritized local employment. A notable example is Atomic North Private Limited, which established a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) unit in a Kathua village, currently employing 375 youth with plans to scale up to 1,000. Sinha urged the company to open another BPO in Udhampur, further decentralizing economic opportunities. The JSW Group is also planning a BPO in Jammu, reinforcing the region’s growing service sector.
To support educational alignment with industry needs, Sinha distributed AICTE approval letters for new BBA and BCA courses at Cluster University, enhancing employability among J&K’s youth. The administration’s efforts since 2021 have connected young job seekers directly with employers, fostering a dynamic labor market.
Investment and Incentive Breakdown
| Category | Amount (₹ Crore) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Incentives Availed | 28,400 | Over 2.5 years (NCSS-2021) |
| Completed/Operational Projects | 10,000 | Production commenced |
| Projects Under Implementation | 15,000 | Set to start in 2025 |
| Total Investment Projects | 45,000 | Completed or in progress |
| Pending Investment Proposals | 60,000 | Awaiting decisions |
Infrastructure Push Complements Industrial Growth
Alongside industrial incentives, J&K is witnessing a significant infrastructure boost. The Union Government has sanctioned 19 mega road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore, announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and LG Sinha. Key projects include the Pir Ki Gali tunnel (₹3,830 crore) and Sadhna Pass tunnel (₹3,330 crore), aimed at ensuring all-weather connectivity and reducing travel times across the region.
Major Infrastructure Projects
| Project | Cost (₹ Crore) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pir Ki Gali Tunnel (9 km) | 3,830 | All-weather connectivity to Pir Panjal |
| Sadhna Pass Tunnel (7 km) | 3,330 | Connectivity to Karnah region (LoC) |
| Zaznai-Shopian Road (28 km) | – | Enhanced road connectivity |
| Srinagar Flyovers (Lal Chowk, Panthachowk, Magam) | 1,250 (total) | Urban traffic decongestion |
Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Bureaucratic delays and weak execution have stalled some investment proposals, with ₹60,000 crore still pending. LG Sinha expressed optimism that decisions on these proposals would be finalized soon, further accelerating J&K’s economic growth. The administration is also addressing security concerns following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, with plans to reopen key tourist destinations in a phased manner to restore confidence in the tourism sector.
The LG reiterated the government’s vision to transform J&K into a ₹1 trillion agricultural economy by 2030, complementing its industrial ambitions. Initiatives like the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan and reforms in education and skill development are aligning the region’s workforce with industry demands, ensuring sustainable growth.
Keywords: Mega Job Fair 2025, BPO industry, infrastructure projects, tourism recovery, agricultural economy, Viksit Bharat.
Conclusion
J&K’s attraction of ₹28,400 crore in industrial incentives marks a pivotal step toward establishing the Union Territory as an emerging industrial destination. With substantial investments, progressive policies, and a focus on youth employment, the region is poised for rapid economic growth. The synergy of industrial and infrastructure development, coupled with strategic reforms, positions J&K as a key contributor to India’s Viksit Bharat vision by 2047.
