The Jammu & Kashmir Industries Limited (JKI) has six new projects worth 65 crore rupees lined up for commissioning.

This was stated at the 153rd Board of Directors meeting of the Corporation held at Civil Secretariat on Thursday under the chairmanship of Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Prakash Ganga.

Minister of State for Industries & Commerce, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, was also present in the meeting.

JKI informed the Board that while upgradation of the Government Joinery Mills Pampore is complete and the unit is all set for formal inauguration, the upgradation of the Government Silk Factory Raj Bagh (at an estimated cost of 23.54 crore rupees) and the Government Woolen Mills Bemina (at an estimated cost of 11.74 crore rupees) have been approved for funding by the World Bank under the Jehlum Tawi Flood Recovery Project. It was informed that tenders for execution of civil works are being finalized and that foundation stone of the Raj Bagh Silk Factory will be laid soon.

The Board also accorded sanction for re-commissioning of two filature units, one in Srinagar and another in Jammu, for ensuring availability of adequate quantities of the local silk yarn. It also approved upgradation of the Government Joinery Mills Jammu together with construction of state of the art showroom.

The meeting also discussed the proposed marketing and trading plans for these units envisaging their sustainable achievement of working results.

The Board also discussed upgradation of the Government Joinery Mills Bari Bramhana, including construction of new machine hall, state of the art showroom and modern machinery, at an estimated cost of 8.50 crore rupees. The Corporation was asked to ensure completion of the project within the next six months as directed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti while laying the foundation of the unit last month.

The JKI informed the Board that it has also prepared a project report for creating a Common Facility Centre for wood work and wood handicraft within the premises of this unit. The project envisages providing of funds for procurement of machinery and creation of facilities in areas of training, design and development, technology upgradation and market support to artisans.

The meeting also discussed the pension case of JKI employees. The Corporation was directed to propose a scheme for necessary adjustments to be made for shifting to the pension regime.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga who is also Chairman of the Board, said it is imperative to take all such measures that would ensure sustainability of current employment and also to provide more opportunities to locals for their gainful employment.

While speaking on the occasion, Farooq Andrabi, exhorted upon the JKI officials to ensure optimum production and work culture in all the manufacturing units so as to survive the market competition.

Vice Chairman JKI, Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Shailendra Kumar, Managing Director JKI, Javaid Iqbal, besides representatives of Planning and Finance departments attended the meeting.

Guest