Srinagar :Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired detailed consultations with key stakeholders to devise a comprehensive strategy and institutional platform aimed at accelerating the economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir by strengthening core sectors including Tourism, Agriculture, Handicrafts and Industry.
The high-level consultative meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Regional Head of RBI Jammu; Managing Director, J&K Bank; Director, IIM Jammu; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Secretary, Skill Development, Revenue and Employment Departments; besides representatives from BISAG-N, RXIL and other official and non-official stakeholders.
During the recent meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a unified mechanism to enhance the economy of Jammu and Kashmir by aligning all stakeholders. He noted that various initiatives are already in progress across sectors, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), MSME Health Clinic, Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP), Mission YUVA for entrepreneurship, and a Homestay initiative for tourism. The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of creating an integrated ecosystem that addresses the strengths and challenges of sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry, and handicrafts in a coordinated manner. He proposed leveraging existing frameworks like Mission YUVA and the MSME Health Clinic to improve access to credit, advisory services, and support for entrepreneurs. The Chief Secretary pointed out that all sectors operate as economic enterprises aiming for growth and profitability, necessitating a unified institutional mechanism for ongoing assessment and support. Financial inclusion and institutional support were underscored as critical, with a call for optimal utilization of various Government of India schemes, including the New Credit Linked Guarantee Scheme and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. These initiatives are expected to bolster support for farmers, traders, artisans, and other enterprises in the region. To advance this initiative, the Chief Secretary directed the formation of a core team led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department, with representatives from key departments and institutions. He stressed the urgency of initiating the process and addressing bottlenecks through collaborative efforts. Additionally, a separate committee is working on a new Industrial Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, which will complement the proposed integrated framework. Stakeholders present at the meeting expressed their support for the strategy, believing that coordinated efforts could lead to transformative economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir upon successful implementation.
