Srinagar: A delegation from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir on Friday met Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, ARI & Training, to discuss measures for developing the IT sector and expanding employment opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir.
The delegation, led by PHDCCI Kashmir Chairman A.P. Vicky Shaw, along with Co-Chair Himayu Wani and Deputy Director Iqbal Fayaz Jan, called on the Minister at the Civil Secretariat.
Discussions focused on attracting national and international IT companies to set up operations in Kashmir, with the aim of creating IT hubs that would employ local youth. The Minister informed the delegation that the government is working to develop the necessary infrastructure to bring reputed IT firms to the region, with a clear mandate to prioritise local hiring and skill development.
The PHDCCI team also highlighted compliance-related challenges faced by local manufacturing units, including legal and metrology issues, and instances of unnecessary harassment in regulatory processes. The Minister assured them that the administration is committed to supporting genuine businesses and will take steps to address such concerns.
Mr. Shaw expressed appreciation for the Minister’s proactive approach and reaffirmed PHDCCI’s readiness to work with the government in driving economic growth. Both sides agreed to strengthen public–private partnerships to accelerate industrial and technological development in Jammu & Kashmir.
