It is unfortunate that after the New Industrial Policy announced by the successive government failed to bring in the changes as were expected, the man heading the new government in J&K viz. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come up with a new set of promises to support the industry in this part of the country by overcoming the challenges being currently faced by this vital sector, which is one of the hallmarks of development.
Not much time has passed since the New Industrial Policy was introduced with a promise to foster economic growth and revitalize industries in the region but the situation on the ground remains challenging, with many industrial associations expressing dissatisfaction.
Contrary to tall claims of the concerned, the expected benefits have yet to materialize, leaving industries grappling with difficulties. Associations continue to demand additional incentives, special provisions, and support to address issues as the hopes of a thriving industrial sector, symbolized by the “green pastures” promised by the policy, seem elusive as these challenges persist, highlighting the gap between policy promises and on-ground realities.
It is however good that at least the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by the industrial sector as he endorsed that there is no shortage of issues, when it comes to the industry in J&K.
This statement by none other than the CM Omar Abdullah himself is the testimony to the fact that promises made in the recent past have not been fulfilled despite big claims and assurances. As of now, when the CM of J&K has been making the requisite strides to fulfill the promises made with the people ahead of Assembly polls, his assertion that the J&K government is committed to rejuvenate the industry in the region is required to transformed into action by bringing the desired changes as a vibrant industry in J&K can solve many of its inherent problems like unemployment, snarling economy, generation of resources, etc.
Omar Abdullah being the son of the soil knows all the intricacies which the industrial sector has been confronting since long. Therefore people could pin hope on him that he might bail out this sick sector to new heights of progress although time will only tell about the fate of J&K’s industry.
All said and done, it is important that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should start work on ground contrary to his successors, who laid more stress on rhetoric and less on creating avenues for reinvigorating the industry in J&K.
