(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Friday held an extensive meeting with Union Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), S.C.L. Das, to deliberate on the prevailing industrial scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and explore long-term strategies for promotion and sustainability of the MSME sector across the Union Territory.

The meeting was also attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, and Secretary, Labour & Employment, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan.

During the interaction, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for a robust and inclusive roadmap to ensure the long-term sustainability of both existing and newly established industrial units across the UT. He underscored that the industrial landscape in J&K has historically been impacted by its unique geopolitical context, being a peripheral region of the country, thereby facing distinct logistical and connectivity challenges.

Highlighting the immense potential of the MSME sector as a vehicle for employment and economic empowerment, Dulloo urged the Ministry to extend necessary technical and financial support to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UT.

He observed that J&K is now poised to bridge the historic gaps in industrial development, and the youth of the region must be equipped with opportunities and tools to become self-reliant job creators.

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He further sought the Ministry's intervention in initiating targeted programmes to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship among the youth, who, he said, have remained deprived of such opportunities due to the past circumstances. He called for enhanced handholding support in skilling the local workforce in tune with emerging, technology-driven industries to enable them to secure gainful employment.

The Chief Secretary also emphasized the need for establishing comprehensive platforms that can facilitate better market access, credit linkage, and business mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs. He suggested exploring avenues for expanding digital infrastructure and support systems to aid MSME growth in both rural and urban pockets of the UT.

Additionally, Dulloo sought the Ministry's assistance in designing effective revival strategies for stressed and sick industrial units in the region. He stressed the importance of tailored interventions to rejuvenate these units, which form the backbone of local economic activity and employment.

The Union Secretary appreciated the UT administration's renewed focus on industrial development and assured full support of the Ministry in strengthening the MSME ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Ministry would work closely with the UT administration to develop need-based schemes, skill development modules, and infrastructural support to unleash the true potential of the region's industrial sector.

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