• Highlights Jammu’s Tourism potential, stresses promotion of Dogra culture
• Says J&K govt will provide support to local industries, not just incentives
JAMMU, DEC 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured the public that his government would work towards resuming the biannual Darbar Move in the future, emphasising its importance in keeping the city vibrant and fostering interaction between people from both regions.
Speaking at an event organized by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI), Omar Abdullah said that the Darbar Move had once been a hallmark of Jammu city, creating a lively environment as government functions alternated between Srinagar and Jammu. “The hallmark of Jammu city was the biannual Darbar Move. It created a lively environment. I assure you that we will resume the Darbar Move in the future,” he stated.
The Chief Minister was felicitated at the event for assuming office as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Several prominent figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Javed Ahmad Rana, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and JCCI President Arun Gupta, were present.
In his address, Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting local industries and overcoming the challenges they face. He acknowledged the persistent difficulties in the industrial sector, attributing many of these issues to Jammu and Kashmir’s geographical constraints. He pointed out that while these problems were not new, the transition to a Union Territory had compounded them.
“There is no shortage of issues. If I were to claim that these problems have only emerged in the past decade, it would be misleading,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister noted the region’s remote location, with a small market and limited raw material base, which presents a significant obstacle for industries. “An industry that relies on importing raw materials and exporting finished products cannot sustain itself without governmental support,” he explained.
Reaffirming the government’s role in supporting local industries, Omar Abdullah emphasized that offering assistance was not a sign of weakness but a responsibility. “When we hold your hand and provide support, it is our responsibility, and we will fulfill it,” he added.
Omar Abdullah also addressed the untapped tourism potential in Jammu, particularly by leveraging the large number of pilgrims visiting the region. “Over a crore pilgrims visit Jammu for Mata Vaishno Devi every year. If we can successfully divert even 15% of them to local tourist destinations, we would gain 15 lakh tourists immediately,” he said, noting that Kashmir’s tourism economy is managed with a similar number of tourists.
He stressed the importance of showcasing Jammu’s unique Dogra culture as a key component of the tourism strategy. “Our Dogra culture—this is treasure unique to Jammu. Our traditions, food, and specialties are unmatched and must be leveraged as key selling points for tourism,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also cautioned against relying solely on industrial packages, describing them as short-term solutions. “Industries attracted solely by packages stay only as long as the incentives last. Once the benefits end, they pack up and leave. The industries that endure are those rooted in this land,” he explained.
Omar Abdullah raised concerns over lease agreements affecting institutions and businesses, particularly schools and hotels on leased land that face difficulties in renewing registrations or making necessary repairs. “These issues need immediate attention,” he said, urging swift resolution.
Later, Omar Abdullah assured the gathering that his government would actively work to resolve the challenges facing the industrial sector. “Whatever issues you want us to raise with the Finance Minister, please provide me with a detailed note. We will take them up with the Government of India and work toward tangible solutions,” he concluded.
