Delegation meets GoI official, discusses enhancing exports, establishing sector-specific clusters, improving credit access, promoting sustainable infrastructure
SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by its President Javid Ahmad Tenga and Joint Secretary General Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal met with the Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, Mr SCL Das (IAS) to discuss critical issues impacting the growth and sustainability of the MSME and handicrafts sectors in Kashmir.
At the outset, President Javid Ahmad Tenga highlighted the steep decline in handicraft exports from Jammu and Kashmir, which have fallen to Rs 733 crore in 2024–25. Emphasising the potential of the sector, he said KCCI has set an ambitious but achievable target of scaling exports to Rs 4,000 crore in the next four to five years, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a $5 trillion economy. He sought the Ministry’s intervention in facilitating participation of J&K-based handicrafts exporters in leading international trade fairs and exhibitions. The Secretary welcomed the proposal and directed the Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, J&K, Mr. Vikramjeet Singh, to obtain details from KCCI about priority fairs, including those in Global Village Dubai and other global cities, and take necessary steps to support their participation.
The KCCI delegation submitted a detailed memorandum seeking establishment of sector-specific MSME clusters in Kashmir to support both traditional industries and emerging sectors. These clusters would provide shared infrastructure in areas such as fruit processing, food packaging, herbal product manufacturing, as well as in handicrafts including copperware, papier-mâché, woodwork, carpet weaving, and Pashmina finishing.
The delegation also raised the issue of limited access to credit for MSMEs in the region due to poor CIBIL scores, which often reflect structural and external disruptions rather than wilful defaults. KCCI requested a one-time CIBIL score relaxation or amnesty for micro and small units and called for region-specific financial inclusion norms tailored for sensitive geographies like Kashmir.
On the environmental front, KCCI proposed the establishment of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in industrial areas and Cluster-based Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) in tourist destinations including Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Dal Lake and other eco-sensitive zones, funded by MSME which are without these facilities. The Secretary appreciated the idea of STPs and termed it a “good initiative” in the context of sustainable tourism and ecological preservation.
KCCI also proposed the creation of a common laundry and dry-cleaning facility for the hospitality sector in Kashmir. The Secretary informed the delegation that the Ministry already has a Rs 10 crore provision under its schemes for such infrastructure and assured support for its implementation.
Other key issues discussed included support for solarisation of industrial units to reduce energy costs, development of flatted factory complexes to support IT and service sectors, and strengthening of the startup ecosystem through incubation centres and funding support. KCCI also highlighted the urgent need for a revival package for stressed and closed MSMEs and requested increased funding to the J&K Industries Department for effective implementation of industrial and MSME development schemes.
The Secretary MSME appreciated the detailed and well-structured proposals submitted by KCCI and assured the delegation that the Ministry would follow up with the J&K administration to take forward actionable recommendations. KCCI expressed gratitude for the positive engagement and reiterated its commitment to working closely with the government to ensure inclusive economic growth and industrial rejuvenation in Jammu and Kashmir.