CII J&K Calls for Ease of Doing Business Reforms, Sector-Based Incentives at DPIIT Review Meeting

Ziraat Times News Desk 

Srinagar, April 13: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Council on Monday called for major reforms to improve ease of doing business and advocated sector-based budget allocation for industrial incentives during a high-level review meeting on central industrial schemes in Kashmir.

The meeting, convened to assess the implementation of the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) 2021 and the Industrial Development Scheme (IDS) 2017, was attended by Rajesh Panwar, Director, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), along with senior officials from DPIIT and the Project Management Unit (PMU).

Representing CII J&K, Council Chairman Iqram Ali Shafiee welcomed the government’s efforts to strengthen the industrial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through targeted interventions. However, he highlighted structural challenges that continue to impede industrial growth in the Kashmir Division.

Shafiee noted the contrasting industrial landscape within the Union Territory, pointing out that while Jammu has attracted significant large-scale investments, Kashmir’s economy remains largely driven by micro and small enterprises.

He stressed the urgent need to operationalise an effective single-window clearance system to facilitate faster approvals and improve the ease of doing business. According to CII, persistent bottlenecks in securing clearances from departments such as the Pollution Control Board, Health, Tourism, and Fire and Emergency Services are delaying project implementation and discouraging investment.

The CII also proposed sector-focused policy support, urging the government to move away from a uniform incentive structure and instead adopt differentiated approaches. Shafiee recommended separate and tailored incentive packages for micro and small enterprises as well as for large industries to better address their distinct needs.

In addition, he suggested the inclusion of solar subsidies and transport incentives in upcoming industrial schemes to improve the viability and sustainability of investments, particularly in geographically challenging regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials from DPIIT and associated agencies engaged in detailed discussions with stakeholders, reviewing progress under the schemes and identifying areas for improvement.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among policymakers and industry representatives to address implementation gaps and accelerate industrial development in the Kashmir Division through more responsive and region-sensitive policy frameworks.

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