Various initiatives underway to boost industrial growth in Poonch: Dy CM

Srinagar, Apr 07: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Monday informed the House that the government is taking comprehensive steps to promote industrial development and create employment opportunities for youth in Poonch district, particularly in the Haveli Constituency.
The statement came in response to a question raised by Poonch MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan, who sought clarity on the measures being taken to establish industrial parks, provide incentives to entrepreneurs, and involve local youth in relevant skill development programmes.
Responding to the question, Choudhary stated that an industrial estate is already operational in Poonch, with land allotted to 45 industrial units. “Out of these, 32 units are currently functional, having attracted an investment of Rs 198 lakh and creating employment for 116 people,” he told the House. The estate falls under Zone B of the J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021–30, which offers higher incentives and lower land premiums in less developed regions.
He added that the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS), 2021, with a financial outlay of Rs 28,400 crore, has provided a significant boost to industrial growth in Jammu and Kashmir. “The scheme, which came into effect from April 2021 and ran till September 2024, offered capital investment incentives, interest subvention, GST-linked benefits, and working capital support to new and existing units,” said Choudhary. While the funds under the scheme have been fully utilised, the Industries & Commerce Department has approached the Government of India seeking an increase in financial outlay.
The government is also offering incentives under the J&K Industrial Policy 2021–30, including 100% SGST reimbursement for eligible units, subsidies for automation, quality certification, and support for eco-friendly production technologies. Additionally, subsidies are being provided for the purchase of DG sets and installation of pollution control equipment, particularly in Zone B regions like Poonch.
Choudhary explained that infrastructure development is being managed by the State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) and the Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd. (SICOP), which are responsible for equipping industrial estates with road and drainage networks, water supply systems, lighting, and administrative buildings. “SIDCO has spent over Rs 91 crore in the past three years on developing new industrial estates, while SICOP has spent more than Rs 26 crore during the same period,” he stated. A total of 46 new industrial estates are under various stages of development to support growing industrial demand in the UT.
On skill development, Choudhary mentioned that Poonch is supported by three Government ITIs—in Poonch, Mendhar, and Surankote—and one Government Polytechnic, offering training in trades such as IT, construction, apparel, office administration, and engineering disciplines. “These institutions have a combined intake capacity of over 700 students annually and are being upgraded under the PPP mode to align with industry needs,” he said.
Additionally, the government is implementing several skilling programmes under schemes like PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Vishwakarma, and SANKALP. “Over 1,800 youth have benefited from these programmes, with training provided in both government and private institutions,” the Deputy CM informed.
Addressing concerns over land misuse, he stated that the government has taken strict action against non-compliant industrial unit holders. “So far, 520 cancellations have been effected under the Industrial Policies of 2016–26 and 2021–30,” he said. Authorities are empowered under the Public Premises Act to retrieve land and evict allottees who fail to meet development timelines or operational commitments.
Regarding loan defaults, Choudhary said that banks are responsible for recovering dues from defaulters as per RBI guidelines, though the government ensures coordination to prevent misuse of schemes and protect public resources.
“Our aim is not only to develop industrial infrastructure but also to ensure that local youth are trained, employed, and empowered as active participants in the economic development of the region,” he said.