Jammu, Feb 9 (JKNS): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that Jammu and Kashmir has attracted private investments worth ₹14,948 crore over the last four years, leading to the creation of 64,515 jobs in the industrial sector.
Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA Sunil Bhardwaj, as per news agency JKNS, Dy CM Choudhary said, that a total of 1,452 industrial units have been established in the Union Territory since 2022–23.
Providing a year-wise breakup, Choudhary said 629 industrial units were set up during 2022–23 with an investment of ₹2,153.45 crore, generating employment for 15,719 people. In 2023–24, 234 units attracted investments of ₹3,389.37 crore and created 29,969 jobs. During 2024–25, 405 units brought in ₹4,145.59 crore, resulting in employment for 11,396 persons.
He further said that in the current financial year 2025–26, up to December, 184 industrial units have attracted investments worth ₹5,260 crore and generated employment for 7,431 people.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government has rolled out a series of policies and incentive schemes to boost private investment in the Union Territory. He informed the House that the Department of Industries and Commerce is implementing initiatives such as the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021, J&K Industrial Policy 2021–30, Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021–30, Private Industrial Estate Development Policy 2021–30, and the Policy for Promotion of Foreign Investment in the Industrial Sector, 2022.
Choudhary said the NCSS 2021, notified by the Government of India to promote industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir, remained in force from April 1, 2021, to September 30, 2024, and played a key role in encouraging new investments.
He said several incentives are being extended under these schemes, including 100 per cent subsidy on the purchase and installation of DG sets ranging from 10 KW to 2000 KW, subsidies on automation, pollution control equipment and green initiatives. Turnover incentives for existing units, subsidies for quality certification, and exemptions from stamp duty and court fees for units undertaking substantial expansion are also being provided, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is adopting a coordinated approach to address investor issues and ensure a stable, business-friendly industrial environment. He said industrial estates are being upgraded with improved road connectivity, drainage systems, water supply, power infrastructure and common facilities, while new estates are also being developed.
“Infrastructure development is being undertaken in coordination with various executing agencies, including the Power Development Department and Jal Shakti Department, to ensure reliable services and last-mile connectivity,” Choudhary said.
He also said building bye-laws have been rationalised to allow higher floor area ratio (FAR), flexible ground coverage and removal of minimum plot size requirements to ensure optimal land use. He added that time-bound utility connections and a single online application system through the single-window clearance mechanism have been introduced.
“Reforms such as online approvals, one-day shop registration, rationalisation of labour laws and decriminalisation of minor offences have been implemented to ease compliance and boost investor confidence,” the Deputy Chief Minister said. (JKNS)
