Calls For Promoting Tourism, Industrial Units, Handloom & Handicraft Sector
Srinagar, Nov 4(GNS): The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday said that it will pursue with the Centre the implementation of the Rangarajan Committee Report, fourteen years after the expert group appointed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh recommended a string of employment generating schemes for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir
“The Rangarajan Committee Report, crafted under the guidance of former RBI Governor Dr. C. Rangarajan in 2011, recommended a roadmap for creating jobs and enhancing economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir,” Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said in his address to maiden Legislative Assembly session on Monday. “My government will pursue the implementation of the Report with the Government of India to address structural issues in the economy, support skill-building initiatives, and stimulate inclusive growth,” he said as per GNS, adding, “Effective collaboration with the Government of India would be essential to mobilize resources, funding, and requisite support necessary for realizing many of these reforms.”
Meanwhile Sinha called tourism sector as a major pillar of the economy of J&K and underlined that it can boost various services and industrial sectors like transport, hospitality, horticulture and small-scale industry thereby, generating incomes and job opportunities for the local population.
“My government will ensure that all benefits are extended to the Tourism Sector, as an “Industry”. This will ensure that this sector witnesses requisite growth in investment for improving tourism infrastructure and services,” he said, adding, “My Government will focus on enhancing the quality of tourist experience, and devise appropriate interventions to manage the tourist inflow.”
Concerted efforts will be made for accelerated development of new tourist destinations both in Kashmir as well as Jammu, so that the immense untapped potential of our beautiful landscape is harnessed for improving the experience of the tourists and lives and livelihoods of the locals, he said.
“Work on Tawi Barrage Project, an artificial lake, is also in full swing and likely to be completed soon, which will enhance tourism potential of Jammu City,” he said, adding, “The upcoming railway connectivity to Kashmir, expected to be fully operational soon, will indeed provide a significant boost to tourism in both Kashmir and the Pir Panjal region.”
Referring to J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, he said, it has been notified for encouraging private investment and to boost the industrial sector. “New Central Sector package of Rs 28,400 crores is also available for encouraging new investments. My Government will ensure that requisite infrastructure for the development of industrial units is made available on priority, subsidized industrial land is transparently allotted and it actually translates in attracting new investment, creating employment opportunities for the locals, develop backward regions and expand existing industrial units,” he said.
The Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has recently passed a unanimous resolution for reviewing the J&K Industrial Policy, 2021-30, to achieve this objective, he said.
“My Government will develop 46 new industrial estates with all the modern facilities to attract industries and enhance job opportunities,” he said, adding, “These new initiatives will spur employment avenues and enhance economic growth. Further, focus will also be on development of industrial parks or clusters to provide shared facilities and resources, making it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to thrive.”
A suitable procurement policy to further support the MSMEs will also be introduced, he said. “Reform process will be further strengthened for ease of doing business. My Government will promote Circular Economy by encouraging industries to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and waste,” he said, adding, “Agrobased industries will be developed to utilize local resources sustainably.”
Regarding Handloom and Handicraft sector, he said, it will be given impetus, including through e-commerce platforms, to increase the production and exports.
“G.I tagging of Crafts will be promoted to provide them markets at world level. My Government will continue supporting local artisans by providing them with better access to markets and credit to promote traditional crafts besides facilitating marketing of local products through trade fairs, exhibitions, and online platforms. Srinagar was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021.”
This recognition, he said, acknowledges Srinagar’s rich heritage and excellence in crafts, particularly its world-renowned Kashmiri handicrafts.
“As part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Srinagar joined a select group of cities worldwide recognized for fostering innovation and creativity as strategic factors for sustainable urban development.” (GNS)
