Locals prioritized in services, manufacturing sector open to outsiders
Boosting employment, investments, land use optimization key features
Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, July 27: The Administration of Union Territory of Ladakh has published the Draft Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2023 in order to obtain the feedback of the stakeholders and general public of the region on the policy.
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As per a copy of the draft document in possession of the Excelsior, the new Industrial Land Allotment Policy is designed to provide land for industrial establishments to create job opportunities and support local entrepreneurs through a fair and transparent allocation process.
The document further said that the new policy marks a departure from the previous Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy of 2016, which provided the basic mechanism of industrial land development but with land remaining a limiting factor for the industrial growth in the region.
With Ladakh now a distinct Union Territory post abrogation of Article 370, the new policy is tailored to overcome these constraints and establish the region as a competitive investment hub.
The Key objectives of the new policy include optimizing land use, generating employment, and encouraging both national and international investments in the region.
It features a structured industrial land bank and emphasizes inclusive growth with a focus on sustainable industrialization.
Under the new policy, local entrepreneurs receive priority, especially in the service sector, as outlined in the Ladakh Sustainable Industrial Policy 2022-27. In contrast, the manufacturing sector is open to outside investors, with a preference for local involvement.
As per the copy of the Draft Industrial Land Allotment Policy, the industrial estates in Ladakh will now allocate 70% of land to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), 30% to Medium and Large Investors, and reserve 40%, 10%, and 10% for Priority Sector Industries, Start-ups, and Underprivileged Sections respectively.
The premium rates of industrial lands vary based on location and size, as the documents revealed that Rs 2.5 lakhs per kanal would be the rate in urban areas and Rs 2 lakhs in rural areas for land up to 5 kanals; Rs 3.5 lakhs and Rs 3 lakhs for land up to 8 kanals; Rs 4.5 lakhs and Rs 4 lakhs for land exceeding 8 kanals; and Rs 6 lakhs and Rs 5.5 lakhs for land over 20 kanals.
Processing fees to be charged at the time of application are Rs 1,000 for up to 5 kanals of the land, Rs 2,000 for 5 to 8 kanals, and Rs 5,000 for more than 8 kanals.
The draft document further said that applications will be managed through advertisements and an online portal, with a computerized lottery system for allotment after clearance by the Single Window Clearance Committee.
Applicants must submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) online, prepared by approved consultants or agencies, it said.
The Industrial Land Allotment Policy, effective for 10 years, also includes provisions for land allocation through a computerized lottery system, with leases initially set for 40 years and extendable to 99 years.
“Provisional allotments are granted for up to two years, extendable by one year if 50% of work is completed. Surrendering land incurs penalties, and lease transfers are allowed under strict conditions,” said the draft document.
To ensure compliance, a Monitoring Cell will oversee project implementation, requiring quarterly reports from entrepreneurs and regular site visits. The Director of Industries and Commerce will review progress and assist with approvals.
“Overall, the UT Ladakh Industrial Land Allotment Policy seeks to enhance regional industrial development, with a strong emphasis on supporting local entrepreneurs and attracting investments to boost the region’s economic prospects,” read the draft document.
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