Srinagar, Oct 8: In what reflects its acute industrial backwardness, the Kashmir Valley accounts for a mere 18 per cent of the total investment in the industrial sector in J&K.
 In a striking contrast with its sister region, Jammu, that has a whopping Rs 2,924 crore investment in the industry, Valley accounts for just Rs 676 crore.
 There is a total of Rs 3601.2 crore investment in the industrial sector in J&K. Out this Jammu accounts for Rs 2924.38 crore, while Valley’s share stands at Rs 676.82 crore, minister in charge, Industries and Commerce, SS Salathia said in a written response to a question by the National Conference’s MLC, Vijay Bakaya, in the Upper House.
 Curiously, Kashmir was has more number of sick units compared to other region. The Kashmir industrialists have been decrying meagre support from the government despite it being worst affected by the turmoil for past 20 years in the region. They have been consistently seeking more funds for the development of the sector.
 “There are 419 sick units in the state including 330 in Kashmir and 89 in Jammu,” the reply said.
 To another question, government replied 22 estates including 12 managed by Directorate of Industries and Commerce and 5 each by SIDCO and SICOP were set up in Jammu.
 In Kashmir and Ladakh of the total 28 estates 17 were managed by Directorate of Industries and Commerce, seven by SIDCO and four by SICOP, government replied, adding of the 28 estates three were set up in Ladakh.  
 Responding to another question, government said 39450 small, medium and large industrial units were set up in state.
 The government informed the House that seven Industrial estates were going under the process of development in Kashmir, two in ladakh. “Besides 375 cases are pending for want of plots for setting up of Industrial units.”
 In Jammu three Industrial estates are under going process of development and 62 cases for setting up the industrial units were pending for want of land, government replied.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 8 Oct 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 9 Oct 2010 00:00:00 IST