Jammu, Feb 15: Highlighting the significant role of Industry in the balanced and sustainable growth of economy as well as employment generation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated continued support of the coalition government to the Industries in the state.
 “The growth of Industries in the state is all the more important in view of the unemployment, which is a biggest problem than terrorism”, Omar said, adding that industrialization was key to employment generation and answer to the unemployment problem.
 He was addressing a gathering of prominent Industrialists and the officers of Industries and Commerce department, after laying foundation stone of a “Health Club” at Industrial Estate (I/E) Bari-Brahmana Jammu today.
 Omar said the government endeavour was to provide a conducive and congenial atmosphere for business in the state but the entrepreneurs also need to generate confidence in them for venturing in this sector.
 He said the government was in constant touch with the Union Finance Minister and the Union Minister for Commerce and Industries for seeking extension of the existing Industrial package especially tax incentives, for another 10 years to enable Industrialists stabilize more.
 Responding to the demand of the Industrial Association Bari Brahmana, regarding expansion of the Estate, Omar said despite facing constraints, the government will explore all possibilities in this regard.
 However, he expressed happiness to see investments that have been made by both local and outside Industrialists in the I/E adding that this would really go a long way in job creation and skill upgradation. “It is heartening to see that actual and genuine manufacturing units have come up in the Industrial Estate”, Omar said adding that each Industrial Unit visited by him today is a big success storey.

Power supply
 Responding to the demand about relief to the Industry on power supply front, Omar said in view of the increasing losses in the power sector, the state cannot afford to freeze the power tariff for Industries but assured that possibilities would be explored to chalk out a five year power schedule for the Industries to help them plan their budgeting, costing and productions accordingly.
 He said in order to ensure more power to the Industrialists and genuine consumers, the government has decided to take tough action against gross misuse of power and its organized theft. Omar added that the power supply and revenue recovery will be monitored at feeder level and the concerned government functionaries made responsible for any mis-match in this regard.
 Chief Minister also released the new Telephone Directory of Bari-Brahmana Industries Association.
 The function was organized by the Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) to facilitate the Chief Minister on successful completion of first 3 years of the coalition government. The president, BBIA Anil Suri presented the welcome address.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 15 Feb 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 IST