Dulloo directs faster assessment, revival of stressed MSMEs across J&K
Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Friday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning and progress of the J&K MSME Health Clinic, a digital initiative aimed at monitoring, diagnosing and revitalizing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the Union Territory through timely assessment and targeted interventions.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Director Industries & Commerce, Jammu/Kashmir; Director Handloom & Handicrafts, Kashmir/Jammu; besides other senior officers of the Industries & Commerce Department.
The meeting deliberated upon the progress made under the initiative, status of assessment of industrial units, capacity-building measures and strategies for expediting rehabilitation of stressed enterprises through coordinated institutional support.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary underscored the necessity of enhancing the support ecosystem for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by directing the Industries & Commerce Department to strengthen the Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) across districts. This involves providing dedicated human resources and integrating representatives from other relevant departments to improve the effectiveness of these units. Regular capacity-building programs conducted by IIM Jammu for SBDU members are also essential to ensure professional assessments of industrial units. The Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of analyzing health assessment reports of MSMEs and closely monitoring the implementation of recommendations to facilitate the timely revival of distressed units. To expedite the assessment process, he called for a hybrid approach that combines physical and virtual visits to industrial units. Additionally, he advised the Additional Chief Secretary of the Public Works Department to consult with J&K Bank regarding loan restructuring for sick MSMEs based on health clinic assessment recommendations. The Commissioner Secretary of Industries and Commerce highlighted the MSME Health Clinic as a vital platform for identifying financially stable enterprises and those needing rehabilitation, which aids in evidence-based policy interventions. The meeting revealed that significant progress has been made, with 1,00,371 MSMEs registered on the Health Clinic portal and 73,907 units assessed by BISAG. Of these, 92.3% were categorized as stable, while 7.7% were identified as vulnerable and in need of support. J&K Bank has accessed a database of nearly 2.97 lakh MSMEs, which will be analyzed to expand the Health Clinic program’s coverage. IIM Jammu has conducted numerous virtual interactions and field visits, resulting in the preparation of rehabilitation reports approved by District Level Approval Committees. The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention, urging officers to accelerate MSME registrations on the Health Clinic portal and ensure prompt rehabilitation plans for stressed units. He noted that timely support would enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of MSMEs, thereby fostering industrial growth and job creation in the Union Territory. He also emphasized the need for close collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Industries & Commerce Department, J&K Bank, BISAG, and IIM Jammu, to ensure effective service delivery to entrepreneurs.
