Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga today urged the centre to grant package for the development of the industry sector in Jammu and Kashmir.Chander Prakash Ganga called on Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley today and apprised him of various demands for the development of the Industries in the state.The Minister said that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is industrially backward and can gain immensely through industrialization. However, due to locational and geographical disadvantages, poor infrastructure, connectivity underdeveloped Information and Communication Technology services, limited availability of raw- material and markets, state has not been able to harness full potential of industrialization.
Chander Prakash Ganga stressed upon the immediate need for a package for industries so that the economy of the state is uplifted and unemployed youth are given an opportunity for gainful employment.Ganga pressed for rehabilitation, development, up-gradation and capacity enhancement and common facility centres in J&K.Due to the high demand of power and poor road connectivity for industries, the Minister sought funds for power and road infrastructure, up-gradation of Industrial Estates of J&K and launching of e-governance project so as to promote handicraft sector, the Minister highlighted the need for issue of the establishment of 100 handicraft export villages with GI certification.In addition to this, the Minister also urged for the establishment of the National\International Trade Centres in Jammu and Kashmir.He also emphasized the need for the development of container\freight depots and its connectivity with railways at Jammu and Srinagar.
The Minister also apprised the Union Finance Minister for the up-gradation of Skill and Capacity Development Institute of the state i.e, J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institutes, Craft Development Institute, Indian Institute of Carpet Technology and School of Designs.Ganga urged Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for the revival of JK Silk Factory, Srinagar and JK Woolen Mills, Srinagar and ASIDE Unit Samba.The Minister informed that handicrafts industry in J&K is an important sector contributing to overall development of current and other allied sectors like handloom also in terms of income and employment creation thus occupying an important place in the economy of J & K. He said it is basically a cottage industry and provides direct and gainful employment to lakhs of people and has the potential to facilitate the path of raising the living standards of citizens in the state. The handicraft products have earned global acclaim for their exquisite designs, craftsmanship and functional utility. The woolen and silken carpets of the state remain unparalleled on the national scene for quality and design. The crewel embroidered pashmina, and embroidered raffle shawls, pattern of Kani shawls, intricate wood carving, production of flora design in paper mache goods, etc., are some of the world famous traditional crafts of the state. In fact, the Kashmiri craftsman possessing a unique talent for intricate workmanship is one of our most important resources.
Ganga underlined the significance of food processing industry in the state, stating that the sector has the potential to become beacon of industrial development in J&K.The Minister emphasized the need to provide fillip to the food processing sector by making certain technical interventions to boost the industry. He said the topography of the state is conducive to support food processing industry provided to make a few effective technical interventions. He also said the sector offered huge potential in terms of employment generation.Ganga informed that J&K is the highest temperate fruit producing state in the country. After tourism, the fruit industry is the most important industry in J&K so the State have no dearth of quality raw material available with us, adding the diverse agro-climatic conditions facilitated growth of different kinds of fruits and vegetables.The Minister also sought the immediate need of Industry related concession as announced for the North Eastern States.Union Finance Minister assured the Industry Minister that all the genuine issues under Industrial sector to be redressed on priority basis.