Dy CM announces new industrial estates, GI tags for regional products

Srinagar, Aug 15: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday unfurled the National Flag at MA Stadium Jammu to mark the 79th Independence Day celebrations. He inspected the parade contingents and took the ceremonial salute, witnessing a display of patriotism from 32 contingents, including BSF, CRPF, SSB, J&K Police, JKAP, SDRF, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, NCC (Boys & Girls), along with contingents from government and private schools, brass and pipe bands.Addressing the gathering, the Deputy CM expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar, reaffirming the government’s solidarity with them. He greeted the people of J&K and the nation on the occasion, saying that Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our ancestors and freedom fighters who fought valiantly for the nation’s liberty.Highlighting achievements over the past ten months, he announced the launch of 46 new industrial estates across J&K, with new factories coming up in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pulwama, and Budgam. A Local Employment Policy has been formulated to prioritise employment for local youth in these new ventures. The government has also given GI tags to Kashmiri Pashmina, Kani shawls, paper mache, walnut wood carvings, and other regional products like Solai honey, Kaladi, Guchchi mushrooms, Basmati rice, Bhaderwah Rajma, and Kishtwar saffron, promoting local artisans and heritage.The Deputy CM highlighted the government’s efforts to support the weak and needy, including distributing two lakh safety kits with helmets, gloves, shoes, and medical supplies to workers. Pension schemes like ISSS and NSAP have been extended to ensure monthly pensions for the elderly, widows, and disabled.Health sector initiatives include expanding healthcare facilities, increasing MBBS and PG seats to provide more medical education opportunities locally, and launching mobile schools in remote hilly areas. The New Education Policy has been adopted, and teacher training programs are underway to focus on curriculum updates, activity-based teaching, and student counselling.For farmers, schemes in agriculture, horticulture, and sericulture have been introduced to boost incomes. The Saffron Mission has successfully brought Pampore saffron to international markets with a GI tag. The government has also increased the coverage of Kisan Credit Cards for low-interest loans and crop insurance schemes to protect against weather and market losses.Youth empowerment is a priority, with programmes like Mission Yuva providing skill training in IT, tourism, handicrafts, dairy farming, solar installations, and modern agriculture. Post-training, youth are offered subsidised loans to start their own businesses, reducing unemployment and fostering self-reliance.Women’s empowerment initiatives include forming Self Help Groups (SHGs), where women engage in small businesses such as dairy farming, tailoring, pickle and jam making, and online handicraft sales. These groups are provided with interest-free loans, marketing training, and accounting tools to help their ventures succeed.The Deputy CM also highlighted infrastructure development achievements. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase IV, 1,741 km of rural roads costing Rs 4,224 crore are being constructed to connect over 2,400 villages. Additionally, 19 new national highway projects worth Rs. 10,637 crore have been approved under MORTH, with ongoing projects funded through NABARD.In the power sector, efforts have strengthened the transmission and distribution system to ensure a reliable electricity supply. Tourism continues to be a key pillar of J&K’s economy, with new housing, parking, and crowd management facilities introduced to enhance visitor experience.Concluding his address, the Deputy CM urged the younger generation to preserve and protect the freedom earned through sacrifices, saying it is their duty to carry forward the nation’s progress. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued development with honesty, dedication, and hard work.