Jammu, Dec 26: A delegation of the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Jammu & Kashmir Council, on Friday held discussions with Vikramjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and submitted a detailed representation on challenges faced by the industrial sector in the Union Territory.
The delegation was led by Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, and Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman, along with Amit Khajuria, Assistant Director, ASSOCHAM J&K.
Senior officers from key industrial bodies were also present, including Arun Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce; Sudershan Kumar, Managing Director, Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO); and Pardeep Singh, Managing Director of SIDCO and SICOP.
During the meeting, the ASSOCHAM delegation outlined several policy and operational concerns affecting industrial units, particularly in the Jammu region. The representation stressed the need for a dedicated logistics and warehousing policy, a focused financial support mechanism for MSMEs, and relief measures for units facing land allotment issues under the New Industrial Policy-2021.
The delegation also called for stronger support to the startup sector, seeking clarity on funding channels, venture capital participation, and risk-sharing arrangements. Attention was also drawn to the pending claims of earlier applicants seeking allotment in new industrial estates announced in the recent Budget.
Speaking after the meeting, Manik Batra said that while the New Industrial Policy has encouraged investor interest, unresolved issues related to logistics, MSME finance, and land availability require prompt policy attention to protect existing industries and ensure steady industrial expansion.
Bhupesh Gupta said that improved logistics infrastructure and targeted financial support for MSMEs and startups would ease business operations in the region. He added that addressing the concerns of earlier policy applicants would strengthen trust in the policy framework.
The ASSOCHAM J&K Council acknowledged the steps taken by the government under the New Industrial Policy and related reforms, stating that timely decisions on the highlighted issues would help improve investor sentiment, create employment opportunities, and support balanced industrial development across the Union Territory.
Responding to the delegation, Vikramjit Singh assured that the issues and suggestions presented would be examined carefully in coordination with the concerned departments and stakeholders.
The ASSOCHAM J&K Council reiterated its readiness to work with the government as a partner in advancing industrial growth and economic activity in Jammu & Kashmir.
