Jammu: Of course, there are socio-political, governance and administrative challenges. But since the abrogation of Article 370, the newly carved-out Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is fast emerging as an industrial hub.
The reasons are plenty. Officials say a few include – factors like significant less number of crime rates
in the UT province.
According to data available, they say while the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has a 216.7 rate of crime per lakh
population, many states and those particularly in the northern region have higher rates of criminal activities as compared to J&K.
Himachal Pradesh in the neighbourhood has 280.2, Punjab 274.6, Haryana – 658.6, and Delhi – 1309.5.
Officials say one essential point being appreciated primarily is that Jammu and Kashmir has adequate
skilled workforce. It has as many as 136 ITIs and Polytechnic colleges imparting technical skills. Jammu as a township holds the unique distinction of being the only Indian city where one has AIIMS, IIM and an IIT.
There are 12 universities and 208 colleges catering to the education/training/learning needs of as many
as 13 lakh students.
The Centre for Invention, Innovation and Incubation and Training – CIIT – is also being set up.
In terms of connectivity, despite decades of terrorism-related issues, J&K has some unprecedented
advantages.
International Air Cargo facility available at Srinagar, Two Commercial airports operating 100 flights daily,
Nine new airports are now being proposed under the UDAN scheme, and night flights have started from Jammu.
Thanks to a multi-pronged approach undertaken by the Modi government, there are now as many as 24 trains criss-crossing the UT and its major rail junctions.
Moreover, sources say as many as 12 districts of Jammu and Kashmir figure among top performing districts
under PMGSY.
Under railways, there is double-line rail connectivity between Jammu and the rest of India. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link covering 272 km is to be completed soon.
Moreover, there will be all-weather road connectivity between Srinagar and Jammu by 2024.
Things have remained open to building up infras only. Officials say as many as 3379 applications
have been approved for industrial land allotment.
This is expected to cover an investment of R 34,454 crore and will ensure employment to
159,781 people.
Sources further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a massive development package.
Thus, there are 39 ongoing projects in the pipeline. The UT will get two more AIIMS at Samba
and Awantipora.
Among others, funds have been allocated, and some works have already begun for
Semi Ring Road project in Jammu and Srinagar, Conservation project for Wular and Dal Lake.
There are 83 projects worth Rs 744 crore under the AMRUT scheme on cards and steps have already been initiated for 192 power projects for generation, transmission and
distribution.
To boost industries in the UT, the governments both at the centre and in J&K have announced
a series of special incentives for carrying out industrial works.
These include Goods and Service Tax (GST) link incentives, Capital Interest subvention under which
loans up to Rs 500 crore will be given for projects for seven years long-term perspective and
Working Capital Interest will guarantee loans up to Rs one crore.
Moreover, new units will be getting 100 percent exemptions on stamp duty and the regulatory mechanism
has been reduced too, officials say.
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