Jammu, Apr 4: The Department of Industries and Commerce, Jammu & Kashmir, on Saturday convened a meeting with office bearers and representatives of various industrial and trade associations to assess the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis on industrial operations in the Union Territory.
The meeting, chaired by Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh, focused on evaluating emerging challenges, particularly in the energy sector, and seeking inputs from stakeholders to mitigate disruptions.
Director Industries and Commerce, Jammu, Dr Arun Manhas, said the meeting was aimed at analysing the implications of the evolving energy situation on industrial, trade, and service sector activities across J&K.
Addressing participants, Vikramjit Singh noted a temporary mismatch between energy supply and demand due to the unfolding crisis. He said the Central Government is actively working to tap alternative energy sources to bridge the gap. He further informed that Deputy Commissioners have been tasked with coordinating with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), adding that industrial units can report specific concerns to district authorities or designated nodal officers.
The Commissioner Secretary also stated that directions have been issued to prioritise the release of pending payments to MSMEs. He cautioned industries against rumour-mongering and black marketing, warning that any violations would be dealt with strictly.
On logistical concerns raised by stakeholders, Singh assured that the issue of transportation would be taken up with the Railways to ensure smooth movement of fruits, horticulture produce, and finished goods from J&K.
He also said that matters related to credit and capital assistance for industrial units would be pursued through the UTLBC.
Emphasising calm and coordination, Singh urged stakeholders to avoid panic and highlighted that the government is expediting infrastructure development for piped natural gas. He stressed that the wages of workers in the industrial and services sectors must not be delayed.
Reaffirming government support, he assured that all necessary measures would be taken to safeguard industrial activity during the ongoing crisis.
The meeting was attended by senior industry representatives, including officials from leading trade bodies and the Directorate of Industries and Commerce.
