Advisor to Governor K. Skandan today reiterated Government’s commitment to expand the industrial scope in all potential areas to give further fillip to this vital sector. Industrial sector is a viable source of employment for the youth, besides being essential for boosting the State’s economy, he said.The Advisor was speaking at a meeting, convened with officers of Industries and Commerce Department, here today.Principal Secretary, I&C Navin Kumar Choudhary, Additional Secretary I&C Department, Ramesh Kumar, Managing Director J&K SIDCO, Ravinder Kumar, Director I&C Department, Anoo Malhotra, Additional District Development Commissioner Reasi, Ramesh Chander, General Manager DIC Jammu, Namrita Dogra, General Manager DIC Udhampur, Suram Chand Sharma, General Manager DIC Rajouri, General Manager DIC Doda besides other senior officers of concerned departments attended the meeting.During the meeting, the Advisor was briefed on the overall scenario of industrial activities in Jammu region and initiatives taken for the promotion of industry.It was informed that 1789 industrial units are functional in Kathua, 217 in Doda, 39 in Rajouri and 2632 units are functional in Jammu district; besides 27573 employments were generated.Taking note of the achievements, the Advisor asked the officers to prepare action plans and undertake focused efforts to facilitate industry in the state. He stressed on making all necessary amenities available to the existing and new industries being set up here including providing them access to High Speed Optical Fiber Network, CFCs, proper infra viz drainage, provision for shelter for workforce, SWM systems, Sewage Treatment Plants, road connectivity, regular power and water supply, among others.
Taking serious note of non-functional registered industrial units in various districts, the Advisor directed for immediate de-registering of these units. He also stressed for regular technical monitoring of various industrial units and removing industrial sickness by devising workable revival plans. He directed the concerned officers to identify the suitable land in Samba for establishment of pharmaceuticals, pharmacy and other allied industries.Further, the Advisor directed for organising workshop in collaboration with NABARD involving industrialists and bringing various stake holders on board by taking their suggestions, feedback for industrial development in the region. He urged for soliciting, private investments and Private Public Partnership in industry especially tourist transport sector.He directed the department to develop support infrastructure in the State to facilitate incoming industry like tourism related facilities for visitors at Lakhanpur, Ramban; promoting recreational, holistic entertainment industry in Reasi district; facilitating processing units for agriculture, horticulture allied produce in Udhampur and Doda.He asked for exploring scope of setting up consumable industry products manufacturing units near major industries like power projects.The Advisor also called for promotion and revival of traditional and heritage handicrafts of the region including Basholi arts by dovetailing it with the modern technologies in design development.He also directed officers to gear up men and machinery and work in synergy to give boost to industrial sector, promote entrepreneurship, employment opportunities in the state.