Srinagar, Feb 21: Entrepreneurs operating in rural industrial estates across Kashmir are facing severe challenges due to inadequate infrastructure, forcing many to consider relocating their units to Srinagar or Jammu.
The absence of essential facilities, particularly electricity, has worsened their plight, with many struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
The J&K government has announced plans to develop 38 industrial estates across the Union Territory to boost local industries and generate employment.
One such entrepreneur, who runs a paper cup and tissue manufacturing unit in a rural industrial estate, described this winter as one of the toughest seasons for his business. “We faced an acute shortage of electricity, which brought production to a standstill for several days. Meeting staff salaries became a challenge, and I had to use my savings to keep the business running,” he said.
Many entrepreneurs in rural industrial areas share similar grievances. They argue that while the government has encouraged local business initiatives, the lack of infrastructure support is pushing them towards financial distress. “We set up our units here because we believed in the vision of decentralized industrial growth but without stable power, transportation, and basic facilities, survival is becoming difficult,” said another entrepreneur.
Business owners have urged the administration to take immediate steps to improve infrastructure in these industrial estates. They are seeking round-the-clock electricity, better roads, and financial incentives to sustain operations. “If these issues are not addressed, many of us will be left with no choice but to shift our units to Srinagar or Jammu, where facilities are relatively better,” said an entrepreneur affiliated with food processing.
He said that the government must provide adequate infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of these units. Otherwise, the vision of boosting local industries will remain unfulfilled.
The entrepreneurs have appealed to the J&K administration to conduct an assessment and take corrective measures to prevent the exodus of businesses. If timely action is not taken, the valley might see a decline in rural employment and industrial growth, affecting the overall economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
When Contacted Director Industries and Commerce Kashmir, he was not available for comments..
