JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary today remarked that time has come to understand the major challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary while addressing the Amar Ujala MSME Bharat Conclave held in Jammu city, focusing on MSME challenges, solutions, and future strategies.

Director, Industries Department Arun Kumar Manhas and Labour Commissioner Charanjit Singh were present in the event, besides other departmental officers. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister, informed that investment in Jammu & Kashmir reached ₹4,145 crore in last one decade which is nearly 10 times higher than previous period.

He further said that by August 2025 alone, ₹4,001 crore worth of projects have already been initiated. He said that for the first time, sectors like metals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing have seen investments exceeding ₹500 crore, leading to the establishment of several new units.

The Deputy CM further said that women in MSMEs contribute 3% to J&K GDP and provide employment to over 1 million people, with 15% of jobs held by women. Emphasizing on creating start-up ecosystem and new initiative enterprises, the Deputy CM called for setting up cross sectoral business support ecosystem for growth of entrepreneurship at all levels along with generation of mass employment opportunities through enterprise creation.

Surinder Choudhary reiterated government’s commitment to establish J&K as a thriving hub of enterprises and holistic employment by fostering entrepreneurship and transitioning towards sustainable economy, livelihood and empowered youth. During the event, direct dialogue between entrepreneurs and officials was held, with special focus on Jammu’s industrial challenges.

Officials provided insights into departmental initiatives and respond to concerns related to pesticides, edible oils, cricket bats, paper mills, rice mills, and other small-scale industries in Jammu & Kashmir.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇