*Kathua to be another Ghaziabad in 5 yrs: Director Industries
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 30: The Indian Institute of Public Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Regional Branch, (IIPA J&K RB) organized the 11th Ram Sahai Memorial Lecture here today.
Dr Arun Manhas, Director of Industries and Commerce, Jammu, delivered the Memorial Lecture on “Benefits of Industrialization under New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) to local populace.” Late Ram Sahai was the one of the founder members of IIPA J&K RB and was involved in its growth till his death and in recognition of his vast contributions the IIPA J&K RB decided to institute a memorial lecture in his name.
BR Sharma, State Election Commissioner and Chairman of IIPA J&K RB presided over while Dr Ashok Bhan Patron was the chief guest.
In his insightful presentation on the fast-changing industrial scenario in Jammu, Dr Manhas, said that the new industrial policy of J&K has received tremendous response from the investors. Industrial proposals of over Rs 14000 cr have been received under the new initiative out of which Rs 9000 cr proposals are for Kathua. He disclosed that about 194 new units in Jammu -Kathua have started production, generating employment for 44000 persons. Seventy more units are in the pipeline for production in near future, he added.
Sharing his optimism, he said that in next five years, Kathua would be another Ghaziabad and impressed upon fulfilling pre-requisites like infrastructure for producing skilled workers for enhancing employability of local youth. He said that for the first time, the Govt has earmarked Rs 50 cr in the budget for construction of Labour Sarais in Jammu which is a welcome step.
Referring to the importance of NCSS, Dr Manhas said that it played a vital role in employment generation, boosting industrial development and promoting sustainable development in the region. Its key objectives included generation of employment opportunities, encouragement to new investments, substantial expansions, and nurturing existing industries, first-of-its-kind initiative in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Central Govt.
BR Sharma paid glorious tribute to late Ram Sahai, acknowledging his legacy as a visionary entrepreneur with a remarkable ability to network and negotiate for the greater good of Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the huge response of industrialists, businessmen, academia & civil society to today’s memorial lecture including presence of women and said that women too have an important role in industrialisation of Jammu & Kashmir and announced that IIPA J&K RB would hold next Ram Sahai Memorial Lecture on Women Empowerment (in Industry) for Viksit Bharat.
Dr Ashok Bhan in his address, described late Sahai as an iconic personality, doyen of Industry, visionary, and promoter of societal causes. He referred to the presentation of Dr Manhas on NCSS, and said that it would boost the industrial sector and make it an investor friendly destination. Besides incentives to investment under the NCSS, he said that a right and red-tape free environment is a prerequisite for investment and growth. Unless there is peace and a secure environment Corporates would hesitate to invest here.
Prof. Alka Sharma, honorary secretary, paid glowing tribute to the late Sahai, recognizing his pioneering role in the industrial landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, M.M. Gupta, Director Seminars, presented the welcome address and said that he would never allow his adverse relations to influence his decisions for the benefit of businessmen.
Rahul Sahai, son of Late Ram Sahai while presenting vote of thanks, emphasised his father’s vision of Industry as a tool for societal development and urged collective action from chambers, IIPA, and stakeholders to ensure industrial progress benefits all. The proceedings were conducted by Manoj Kumar Pandith, Joint Director (Seminars).
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