The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, April 13: In a significant review meeting chaired by Rajesh Panwar, IES, Director, DPIIT, along with Khalid Majeed (JKAS), Director Industries Kashmir, and other senior officials, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) Kashmir highlighted key implementation challenges concerning the National Capital Subsidy Scheme (NCSS) 2021 and the Industrial Development Scheme (IDS) 2017.
The PHDCCI delegation was led by Deputy Director, PHDCCI J&K, Iqbal Fayaz Jan, and Executive Committee Member Sajad Ahmad Shah, who also represented Areesha Royal Hospital & Medical College.
Environmental Clearances Emerging as Major Bottleneck
The Chamber underscored that environmental and pollution-related clearances have become significant hurdles, effectively acting as barriers for genuine industrial units in Kashmir. Despite meeting eligibility criteria, many units are unable to access scheme benefits due to these procedural constraints.
Call for Kashmir-Specific Industrial Policy
PHDCCI stressed the need for a customised industrial development framework tailored to Kashmir’s unique topography and geographical limitations. It argued that the existing “one-size-fits-all” approach fails to address region-specific challenges. The delegation cited the tailored scheme for Ladakh as a successful precedent that could be replicated for Kashmir.
NCSS Yet to Deliver on Ground in Kashmir
While the NCSS 2021 was launched as an ambitious ₹28,400 crore package offering capital incentives, GST-linked benefits, and interest subvention, PHDCCI noted that the scheme has not translated into tangible gains for Kashmir. Procedural delays and compliance-related hurdles have hindered its effective implementation in the region.
Concerns Over Regional Imbalance
The Chamber also raised concerns over stark regional disparities in the distribution of benefits. It pointed out that a disproportionate ₹20,098 crore out of the approved outlay has been allocated to just 18 large units, primarily in Jammu districts, leaving Kashmir largely excluded from the industrial revival process.
DPIIT Assures Consideration of Issues
Officials from DPIIT, led by Rajesh Panwar, along with the Director Industries Kashmir, gave a patient hearing to the concerns raised by PHDCCI and other stakeholders, indicating that the issues may be taken into consideration for future policy interventions.
