JAMMU: Jammu Division has emerged as the frontrunner in industrial investment in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, attracting over ₹7100 crore in the past five years, while the Kashmir Division witnessed investments exceeding ₹3400 crore during the same period.
The substantial growth in investments has been attributed to a series of progressive policies introduced by the government since 2019, aimed at fostering industrial development and boosting economic growth in the region.
In response to Starred question tabled by Javeed Iqbal Choudhary, the government said Jammu Division consistently led in attracting investments, with the highest surge recorded in 2023-24, where the division received ₹1966.20 crore. Meanwhile, Kashmir Division’s highest investment was noted in the same year, amounting to ₹1423.17 crore.
The upward trajectory continued in the ongoing financial year (2024-25) with Jammu attracting ₹3079.57 crore and Kashmir securing ₹807.97 crore in investments up to February.
| Year | Investment in Kashmir (₹ Crore) | Investment in Jammu (₹ Crore) | Total Investment (₹ Crore) |
| 2019-20 | ₹ 164.37 | ₹ 132.27 | ₹ 296.64 |
| 2020-21 | ₹ 148.89 | ₹ 263.85 | ₹ 412.74 |
| 2021-22 | ₹ 125.87 | ₹ 250.89 | ₹ 376.76 |
| 2022-23 | ₹ 737.36 | ₹ 1416.07 | ₹ 2153.43 |
| 2023-24 | ₹ 1423.17 | ₹ 1966.20 | ₹ 3389.37 |
| 2024-25 (up to Feb) | ₹ 807.97 | ₹ 3079.57 | ₹ 3887.54 |
| Total | ₹ 3407.63 | ₹ 7108.85 | ₹ 10516.48 |
This impressive growth is credited to various policy initiatives introduced by the government since 2019. Notable among them is the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) for Industrial Development, launched in 2021 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The scheme, effective from April 1, 2021, to September 30, 2024, offers incentives to encourage investment in the Union Territory.
Other key policies include the J&K Industrial Policy 2021-30, J&K Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021-30, and the J&K Private Industrial Estate Development Policy (Amended Version) 2021-30. Additionally, the Policy for Promotion of Foreign Investment in Industrial Sector (2022), J&K Single Window Rules 2021, and the Turnover Incentive Scheme 2021 have played a crucial role in streamlining business operations and promoting investor confidence.
To further encourage entrepreneurship, the government recently introduced the J&K Startup Policy 2024-27, designed to support innovative business ideas and foster a thriving startup ecosystem.
With investments crossing ₹10,500 crore in total since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir is steadily positioning itself as a promising hub for industrial growth.
