In an exclusive conversation with APAC Media, Dr Arun Manhas, Director (Jammu), Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, outlines how under the PM Gati Shakti Plan, the department is actively mapping industrial estates onto the National Master Plan. He also assesses how this ensures integrated infrastructure development and last-mile connectivity, particularly in the landlocked and remote regions of the state.
What are the key strategic initiatives currently being undertaken by the Industries Department to promote sustainable industrial growth in Jammu & Kashmir?
The Industries & Commerce Department of Jammu & Kashmir is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at inclusive industrial development across the Union Territory. A cornerstone of this effort is the J&K Industrial Policy, 2021 and the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), 2021, which collectively offer a robust framework of fiscal incentives—including Capital Investment Incentive (CII), GST Linked Incentive (GSTLI), Capital Interest Subvention (CIS), and Working Capital Interest Subvention (WCIS)—alongside support for the development of industrial infrastructure.
To facilitate ease of doing business, a Single Window System has been established, offering more than 185 services, thereby ensuring time-bound approvals and providing a unified digital interface for investors, businesses, and citizens.
Additionally, the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy, 2021 has been notified to promote transparency and efficiency in the allotment of industrial land within designated estates, ensuring its optimal utilisation by genuine investors.
How is the department supporting local entrepreneurs, MSMEs and start-ups in the region, especially in terms of ease of doing business and access to finance?
The Industries & Commerce Department of Jammu & Kashmir remains committed to nurturing a vibrant and resilient ecosystem for local entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and start-ups. To this end, a range of targeted interventions have been implemented, aligned with the broader objectives of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and enhanced access to finance.
The J&K Single Window System has significantly reduced procedural bottlenecks, particularly for small enterprises and first-time entrepreneurs.
On the financial front, eligible MSMEs are benefitting from the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), 2021, which extends a suite of fiscal incentives including the Capital Investment Incentive (CII), GST Linked Incentive (GSTLI), Capital Interest Subvention (CIS), and Working Capital Interest Subvention (WCIS). Furthermore, the Department facilitates credit access through convergence with schemes of the Ministry of MSME, SIDBI, J&K Bank, and national credit guarantee programmes.
The J&K Start-Up Policy, notified last year, provides critical support through seed funding, incubation facilities, and structured mentorship. Additionally, District Industries Centres (DICs) serve as local facilitation and support hubs, offering entrepreneurs guidance on policy incentives and schemes tailored specifically to the MSME landscape in Jammu & Kashmir.
In the context of J&K’s unique geography and resources, which sectors do you see as the most promising for future industrial investment and job creation?
Given Jammu & Kashmir’s unique geography, agro-climatic diversity, and inherent sectoral strengths, multiple industries hold substantial promise for future investment and employment generation. Foremost among these is the agro- and food processing sector, particularly in horticultural produce such as apples, walnuts, saffron, and spices.
The potential for value addition, coupled with the need for robust cold chain infrastructure, presents a major opportunity. Notably, Cold Storage Facilities have been included in the positive list of the Service Sector under the J&K Industrial Policy, 2021 and NCSS, 2021, thereby making them eligible for fiscal incentives.
The handicrafts and handloom sectors, owing to their deep-rooted cultural heritage, continue to be high export potential sectors and provide livelihood opportunities, especially to rural artisans.
Emerging sectors such as IT/ITES, logistics, and healthcare manufacturing are also gaining traction, supported by improved connectivity, digital infrastructure, and targeted policy interventions. The government remains focused on advancing these sectors through skill development initiatives and facilitative policy support.
The Manufacturing sector, particularly in the Jammu Division, has witnessed significant growth, most notably in Kathua District, where numerous state-of-the-art units in pharmaceuticals, packaging, and beverages have been established. The Bhagthali Industrial Estate now hosts several leading industrial houses of both national and global repute, reflecting the success of the Government’s concerted efforts in positioning J&K as a competitive investment destination
How is the department leveraging industrial policy reforms and central government schemes (like PM Gati Shakti or Make in India) to attract investments in J&K?
Under PM Gati Shakti, the Department is actively mapping industrial estates onto the National Master Plan to ensure integrated infrastructure development and last-mile connectivity, particularly in landlocked and remote regions. Given that industrialisation necessitates coordinated inputs from multiple departments—including Power Development, Jal Shakti, Tourism, Transport, and Agriculture etc —the platform serves as a critical mechanism for breaking departmental silos and facilitating synchronised, cross-sectoral planning.
Through the J&K Industrial Policy, 2021 and NCSS, 2021, the Department is promoting sector-specific investments in food processing, handicrafts, renewable energy, and IT/ITES, offering both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to create a robust and enabling business environment.
Furthermore, the Department is ensuring convergence with flagship central government schemes, such as Startup India and ZED Certification, to name a few, to enhance enterprise competitiveness and generate sustainable employment across the Union Territory.
What steps are being taken to ensure that industrial development in the region aligns with environmental and social responsibility?
The Industries & Commerce Department of Jammu & Kashmir is firmly committed to advancing industrial development that is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. In alignment with this vision, Solar Power Plants for captive use have been included in the eligible list of Plant and Machinery under the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), 2021, making the investments entitled to fiscal incentives. Further, subsidies extended under Green Environment Protection initiatives underscore the Department’s emphasis on environmentally responsible industrial practices.
On the social development front, the Department places a strong focus on employment generation, particularly through the promotion of women-led enterprises. An exclusive Industrial Estate for Women on 329 kanals at Seen Thakran, Udhampur has already been notified, where any business enterprise having 51 per cent or more stake held by women entrepreneurs shall qualify to apply for allotment in the designated industrial estate.
In addition, low-emission, traditional sectors such as handicrafts, agro-processing, and IT/ITES are being actively promoted to ensure that economic growth proceeds hand in hand with ecological balance and social equity. This integrated approach reflects the Department’s broader commitment to achieving sustainable industrialisation in harmony with the Union Territory’s unique socio-environmental context
