292 industrial units begin production; around 29,000 jobs projected
1,628 DPIIT-recognised startups, 18 GI-tagged traditional crafts boost local economy
NCSS-2021 to remain operational till 2037 with ₹28,119-crore outlay
Srinagar : The Centre on Friday said it has disbursed nearly ₹950 crore under various industrial incentive schemes in Jammu and Kashmir over the last five financial years, with 918 industrial units registered, 292 units commencing commercial production, and an estimated 29,000 employment opportunities expected to be generated under the flagship New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS)-2021.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, is regularly monitoring the implementation of industrial schemes aimed at accelerating industrialisation in the Union Territory.
The Minister said the Centre has implemented Special Package-I & II, Industrial Development Scheme (IDS)-2017, and the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS)-2021 to promote industrial growth and attract investments in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the data placed before Parliament, the Government has disbursed ₹41.28 crore under Special Package-I & II, ₹104.49 crore under IDS-2017 and ₹804 crore under NCSS-2021 during the last five financial years, taking the total financial assistance released under these schemes to ₹949.77 crore.
The Minister informed the House that under NCSS-2021, 918 applications have been granted registration, while 292 industrial units have already started commercial production. These operational units are expected to generate nearly 29,000 jobs, reflecting the Centre’s focus on expanding manufacturing and employment opportunities in the Union Territory.
However, the Government clarified that district-wise data relating to industrial units, investments, employment generation, industrial estates, funds released and beneficiaries is not maintained by DPIIT.
The reply also highlighted the rapid growth of the startup ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. As of June 30, 2026, 1,628 entities from the Union Territory had been recognised as startups by DPIIT.
Srinagar leads the startup ecosystem with 450 recognised startups, closely followed by Jammu with 431. Other districts include Baramulla (130), Bandipora (89), Budgam (88), Anantnag (74), Pulwama (66), Kathua (42), Doda (39), Kishtwar (34), Kupwara (31), Udhampur (30), Reasi (25), Rajouri (18), Ganderbal (17), Samba (17), Shopian (15), Kulgam (12), Poonch (12) and Ramban (8).
The Minister further informed Parliament that the Government has intensified efforts to promote Geographical Indication (GI) products from Jammu and Kashmir through initiatives such as India GI Fair, GI Mahotsav, GI Pavilions at national and international exhibitions, besides promotional campaigns through electronic and social media to improve branding, exports and market access.
He said the Jammu and Kashmir administration has secured GI registration for 18 traditional handicrafts and handloom products, strengthening the identity and market value of the region’s traditional crafts.
The reply also outlined district-specific products identified under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. These include Apple (Baramulla and Shopian), Kani Shawls (Budgam), Silk Carpet (Srinagar), Saffron (Pulwama and Kishtwar), Walnut (Rajouri and Kupwara), Trout Fish (Anantnag), Wicker Willow (Ganderbal), Crewal-based Shawls (Bandipora), Basmati Rice (Jammu), Garlic (Udhampur and Kulgam), Mushroom (Samba), Honey (Ramban), Natural Oils-Lavender (Doda), Aromatic Plants (Reasi), Pecannut (Poonch) and Basohli Pashmina and Basohli Painting (Kathua).
Similarly, under the District Export Hub Scheme, the Centre has identified export-focused products for each district. These include cricket bats, walnut, Mushkbudji rice, trout fish and honey from Anantnag; apples and carpets from Baramulla; saffron and apple products from Pulwama; walnut wood carving, silk carpets, papier-mâché, pashmina, chain stitch and copperware from Srinagar; wicker willow from Ganderbal; Kani and Sozni embroidery from Budgam; and apples, walnuts, honey and dairy products from Kulgam, among several others.
On pending proposals, the Minister said Special Package-I & II have already completed their tenure, while only committed liabilities under IDS-2017 remain to be disbursed as the scheme closed on March 31, 2021.
He added that the NCSS-2021, launched with a financial outlay of ₹28,119 crore, came into effect on April 1, 2021, and will remain operational until March 31, 2037 for registered industrial units, providing long-term incentives to attract investment and industrial development in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister said DPIIT continues to conduct regular reviews with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to resolve implementation issues and ensure timely execution of industrial development schemes aimed at strengthening the Union Territory’s manufacturing ecosystem, entrepreneurship, exports and employment generation.
