JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 20: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary highlighted the urgent need to address challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jammu and Kashmir during his address at the Amar Ujala MSME Bharat Conclave. This event took place in Jammu city and focused on identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and strategizing for the future growth of MSMEs.
Choudhary informed attendees that investment in Jammu and Kashmir has reached an impressive ₹4,145 crore over the past decade, marking a tenfold increase compared to previous years. He expressed optimism that the trajectory would continue, with projects worth ₹4,001 crore already initiated by August 2025 alone.
The Deputy Chief Minister noted the emergence of new sectors, such as metals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing. He revealed that these sectors have attracted investments exceeding ₹500 crore, resulting in the establishment of numerous units and job creation opportunities for the local population.
In his speech, Choudhary emphasized the vital role of women in the MSME sector, stating that they contribute 3% to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP. He added that women provide employment to over 1 million people, with 15% of jobs specifically held by women, showcasing their growing influence in this vital economic sector.
To stimulate further growth, he advocated for the creation of a start-up ecosystem and called for new initiatives to support enterprises. Choudhary proposed establishing a cross-sectoral business support ecosystem aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship and creating mass employment opportunities.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir a thriving hub for enterprises and holistic employment. By fostering entrepreneurship, the administration seeks to transition towards a sustainable economy, enhance livelihoods, and empower the youth in the region.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged stakeholders to collaborate and align efforts with government initiatives to ensure that MSMEs not only survive but thrive, contributing significantly to the overall economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
