JAMMU: A delegation of the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Jammu & Kashmir Council, on Tuesday met Vikramjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, and submitted a detailed representation highlighting key policy interventions required to strengthen the industrial and business ecosystem in the Union Territory.
The delegation was led by Manik Batra, Chairman, and Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman, along with Amit Khajuria, Assistant Director, ASSOCHAM J&K.
The meeting witnessed the presence of senior officials, 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, reflecting a comprehensive engagement with key industrial development agencies.
During the interaction, the ASSOCHAM delegation apprised the Principal Secretary of various structural and operational challenges being faced by industries, particularly in the Jammu region. The representation stressed the need for a dedicated Logistics and Warehousing Policy, a special financial assistance framework for MSMEs, and policy support for industrial units impacted by land allotment constraints under the New Industrial Policy 2021.
The delegation also underlined the importance of strengthening the startup ecosystem, seeking greater clarity on funding mechanisms, venture capital participation and risk-sharing frameworks. Additionally, ASSOCHAM urged due consideration for earlier applicants in the allocation of upcoming industrial estates announced in the recent Budget.
Speaking on the occasion, Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, said that while the New Industrial Policy has generated renewed investor interest, certain structural gaps—particularly in logistics, MSME financing and land-related issues—require timely policy intervention to ensure sustainability and long-term industrial growth.
Echoing these views, Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, said that a robust logistics and warehousing framework, along with targeted financial support for MSMEs and startups, would significantly improve ease of doing business in the region and reinforce investor confidence.
The ASSOCHAM J&K Council appreciated the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Government under the New Industrial Policy and allied reforms, stating that timely action on the highlighted concerns would help enhance investor confidence, generate employment and ensure balanced regional development.
Vikramjit Singh, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, assured the delegation that the issues and suggestions raised would be examined in detail in consultation with the concerned departments and stakeholders.
ASSOCHAM J&K Council reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Government as a constructive partner in promoting industrial growth and economic development in the Union Territory.
