Jammu, March 1, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday outlined three guiding principles — Quality, Innovation, and Reliability — to further strengthen the ‘Made in India’ vision and the Atma-Nirbhar Bharat mission. He emphasized that these pillars must define the new identity of India’s domestic manufacturing sector.
The Lieutenant Governor was addressing the Atma-Nirbhar Bharat event organized by the Federation of Trade & Industry of India (FTII) in Jammu. On the occasion, he felicitated recipients of the prestigious Vyapar Ratan Awards for their outstanding contribution to trade and industry.
‘Made in India’ Must Inspire Global Confidence
Describing Atma-Nirbhar Bharat as a transformative movement, the Lieutenant Governor termed it a national awakening and an economic revolution powered by Indian industry.
“Atma-Nirbhar Bharat is a national awakening. It is an economic revolution propelled by Industry’s might. ‘Made in India’ now symbolises trust in global trade. We must ensure that when someone, anywhere in the world, sees ‘Made in India’ on a product, it inspires confidence,” he said.
He stressed that ‘Made in India’ should not merely be a label, but a global hallmark of trust, durability, and excellence.
India’s Economic Renaissance
Highlighting India’s economic transformation since 2014, the Lieutenant Governor credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for scripting a new chapter of self-reliance.
He remarked that India has carved its own developmental path instead of following a predetermined global model.
“India resolved to rise not ordinary, but empowered. Today, it is witnessing a genuine economic renaissance.”
He underlined the pivotal role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), calling them the backbone of the economy.
“Spread across every district and town, MSMEs innovate even under limited resources. When we purchase a product from a small enterprise, we are not simply buying a commodity — we are securing the future of a family and generating employment, skills, and opportunity,” he added.
J&K’s Industrial Push Gains Momentum
The Lieutenant Governor noted that small-scale and micro-enterprises now anchor the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that post-2019 reforms and the new industrial policy have significantly reshaped the Union Territory’s industrial ecosystem.
“This wind of change is palpable in Jammu Kashmir. Revolutionary strides have reshaped industrial growth and MSMEs. The new industrial policy has earned the UT a place among the most preferred investment destinations in the country,” he said.
Thousands of new small and micro manufacturing ventures have been launched, particularly empowering youth and women, sustaining families, and contributing to social stability.
Efforts to ensure ease of living and ease of doing business, he added, are transforming villages and towns into vibrant economic hubs, positioning J&K as an emerging market powerhouse.
Trade as the Flow of Opportunity
Calling for a broader perspective on commerce, the Lieutenant Governor said trade should not be viewed merely as buying and selling, but as the flow of opportunity that fuels growth and development.
He stressed the importance of rapid economic expansion, adoption of technology-driven solutions, and transparent, corruption-free governance to sustain progress.
Collective Responsibility for Peace
The Lieutenant Governor urged society to remain vigilant against elements attempting to radicalize youth and sustain the terror ecosystem. He called for collective responsibility to ensure a terror-free Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing meritocracy as the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.
He noted that stakeholders invested in peace and development have significantly increased in recent years, with the majority of the population prioritizing stability and growth.
“Those dreaming of disrupting this progress must wake up to the new reality,” he asserted.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Er. Gulam Ali Khatana, Member of Parliament; Shri Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs; Shri Sunil Singhi, Chairman, National Traders Welfare Board; Shri Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Dr. Sanjay Bansal, Member NTWB and National President FTII; along with prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, trade representatives, and senior officials.
