Jammu, Apr 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed 1800% startup growth in the past six years.
“The number of startups has risen from just 69 in 2020 to 1305 in FY 2025-26, a growth of over 1800 percent. Combined with all industrial units and PMEGP supported units, millions of young people have gained better employment opportunities,” LG Sinha said inaugurating Eveready Industries India Limited’s new industrial unit in Samba.
Addressing a gathering after inauguration ceremony, he shared significant figures to highlight industrial transformation of J&K after New Industrial Policy was launched in 2021.
The LG said in financial year 2025-26 alone, J&K attracted investment of Rs 5824 crore, more than 13 times the average investment recorded before 2021.
He said that in FY 2022-23 investment was Rs 2153 crore, in FY 2023-24 Rs 3389 crore, and in FY 2024-25 Rs 4145 crore.
“In addition, half the preliminary work has already been completed on 312 units worth Rs 7864 crore, with production expected to begin in FY 2026-27,” LG Sinha said.
He said that J&K had also seen, for the first time, the establishment of several units with investments exceeding Rs 500 crore, including ChiripalPolyfilms (Rs 1215 crore), Kandhari Beverages (Rs 830 crore), and Aegios (Rs 666 crore).
The LG said that three more units were expected to start production in FY 2026-27.
He said that the Eveready plant established with an investment of Rs 200 crore would create local jobs, boost ancillary units, suppliers, and service providers, promote skill development, generate opportunities for women, and make a significant contribution to the economic development of J&K.
“Inauguration of Eveready’s plant, along with the changed atmosphere in J&K, reflects the sustained efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership a new destiny has been written for J&K. His vision has turned the dream of a prosperous J&K into reality,” LG Sinha said. “Across Samba, Kathua, Jammu, and many parts of Kashmir, the industrial revolution we are witnessing today is a living symbol of new era for J&K.”
He said in the past 5 years, the scale of industrial development had moved beyond mere economic figures and become the most powerful medium of transformation across J&K.
“Establishing this esteemed company’s plant is a landmark moment for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. It signals readiness to embrace opportunity, serve the nation and light the way to the future. It also reflects strong confidence in the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG said.
On the occasion, he also paid homage to all the civilians killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 last year.
“We have not forgotten those who had dared to cast a covetous eye on our mothers’ and sisters’ Sindoor. I also recall the brave soldiers of ‘Operation Sindoor’, who had avenged every single tear. Today, the inauguration of this new industrial unit in Jammu Kashmir is a clear and powerful declaration that India will neither halt nor pause, but will march forward on the path of development with renewed vigour and self confidence,” LG Sinha said.
He said through the plant’s inauguration, a message had been sent to the entire world that while “neighbouring country continues to run factories of terrorism, India is building factories of progress and success”.
“Today we have told the world that while our neighbour’s factories churn out terrorists, India’s factories are engaged in nation building. We are also conveying that the economic potential, industrial energy and inclusive development of Jammu Kashmir are advancing with a new sense of pride,” the LG said.
Mohit Burman, Non-Executive Director, Eveready Industries India Limited said that the state-of-the-art greenfield facility would generate around 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities at full scale in the region.
He said the company also aims to contribute to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
According to him, Eveready’s new manufacturing plant boasts a robust annual peak production capacity of approximately 360 million alkaline batteries with an annual installed capacity of 456 million.
“Marking a significant scale-up in the industry’s production capabilities, Eveready’s Jammu facility will give an impetus to India’s domestic manufacturing while catering to the country’s growing demand for high-performance power solutions,” he said.
Arjun Lamba, Non-Executive Director; Eveready Industries India Limited; Anirban Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer; BibekAgarwala, Executive Director and CFO; Sandeep Banerjee, Chief Human Resource Officer; Arun Sahay, Head Operations and other members of Eveready Industries India Limited were present.
Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; Ayushi Sudan Deputy Commissioner Samba; Arun Kumar Manhas, Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu; senior officials and representatives of trade and industrial organisations also attended the inaugural ceremony.
