IIPA  organizes 11th Shri Ram Sahai Memorial Lecture - Kathua, another Ghaziabad in 5 yrs: Director of Industries and Commerce

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Public Administration, Jammu and Kashmir Regional Branch, (IIPA J&K RB) organized the 11th Shri Ram Sahai Memorial Lecture. 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.

B.R. 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. Arun 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 as many as 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 as Jammu is embarking upon a leap forward on industrialisation, it is incumbent to establish proper Labour Serais for the labour to be engaged in the coming up industry. He said that for the first time, the Govt has earmarked Rs 50 Cr in the budget for construction of Labour Serais 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, taking industrial development to the block level in J&K, first-of-its-kind initiative in any Industrial Incentive Scheme of the Central Govt. By providing incentives, such as capital investment subsidies, interest subvention, and GST linked incentives, the scheme aimed to attract new investments and promote industrial growth. He said that only manufacturing can provide a sustainable and long-term employment besides adding to India’s GDP. It focuses on enhancing the skill of the youth and their capacities to make them employable and market ready.

Dr Ashok Bhan in his address, described late Ram 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. He said that while the Govt is doing its best to root out terrorism and separatism, the people too have to ensure social and communal harmony, and for that, strong fraternal ties between social and religious groups need to be promoted. Quoting Baba Sahib Ambedkar, he said that fraternity has the power of integrating the nation.

 In his presidential address, Shri Sharma paid glorious tributes 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. He hoped that most of the issues flagged by the industrialists would find a solution in the forthcoming NCSS-2-0.

Prof. Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary, paid glowing tributes to the late Ram Sahai, recognizing his pioneering role in the industrial landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier, Er 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.

In the Vote of Thanks,Rahul Sahai Son of Late Shri Ram Sahai and chairman of Indian Chamber Of Commerce Jammu expressed deep gratitude to the dignitaries, including Chairman ,Patron IIPA Sh B R Sharma IAS (Retd) Dr. Ashok Bhan, retired IPS officer Sh. Kuldeep Khoda , Sh Rattan Lal Gupta NC Provincial president ,  BJP leader Miss Deviyani Rana, and representatives from various trade, industry, and social organisations. He Thanked and appreciated Esteemed speaker Dr Arun Manhas Director Industries & Commerce Jammu for his insightful lecture on the topic.

He highlighted the importance of industrialisation not merely as an economic driver but as a means to uplift lives, create employment, and build an inclusive society. Rahul Sahai 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. He extended special appreciation to IIPA J&K for sustaining this meaningful lecture series and acknowledged the continued love and respect Shri Ram Sahai commands, even 16 years after his passing. The event concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Shri Ram Sahai’s legacy, underscoring the importance of service, integrity, and sustained efforts toward industrial and social progress. The proceedings were conducted by Manoj Kumar Pandith, Joint Director (Seminars).

The event brought together over a hundred eminent citizens, members of IIPA, prominent industrialists, government officials, and the family members of the late Ram Sahai, who continue to honour his entrepreneurial spirit and vision. This annual lecture serves as a tribute to Shri Ram Sahai’s outstanding contributions to the region's entrepreneurship and industrial growth, aiming to foster meaningful discussions on the key issues facing the local industry and economy. The event concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Shri Ram Sahai’s legacy, underscoring the importance of service, integrity, and sustained efforts toward industrial and social progress.