Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 18: Saying that industrialization is key to employment generation and economic autonomy, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo today said that the Government has flagged the industry and commerce as thrust areas.
Replying to the debate on demand of grants for the departments under his charge in the Legislative Assembly today, Kichloo said that the State and Central Governments have extended the Central Package of Incentives for another five years. This, he said, will boost the trade and industry so that more avenues of employment are generated in the State and the economic activities get a fresh impetus.
He said that two textile parks in Kathua and Ghatti Industrial Estates are being developed besides a Food Park in IGC Lassipora, Pulwama to give boost to textile and Agro based industries in the State. He further said that industries have been able to provide employment to 1, 65000 people so far, out of which 132000 persons are from the State.
Kichloo said that Mega Tool Room at Ghatti Industrial Estate in district Kathua and its extension centre at Sanatnagar-Srinagar has been sanctioned for the State, which would invite investment of more than Rs. 100 crore. This Mega Tool Room, he said will help to provide training to the local labours and will be beneficial for existing unit holders as they will be able to procure the required spares from within the State itself.
Earlier, the Minister moved a demand for a sum of Rs.432.64 crore be granted to the Government to defray the charges which will come in the course of payment during the year ending March 31, 2015 for departments and PSUs under his charge.
Later, the concerned members withdrew their cut motions after getting satisfactory reply from the Minister.
The House, later, passed the grants by a voice vote.
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