Jammu, Apr 22: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday inaugurated a Rs 200 crore industrial unit of Eveready Industries India in Samba district and said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp surge in investments and startup growth since the launch of the New Industrial Policy in 2021.
He said that the inauguration sends a strong message globally that while the neighbouring country continues to foster terrorism, India is building engines of progress and success.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also paid homage to all the civilians who were martyred in the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 last year and said, “We have not forgotten those who had dared to cast a covetous eye on our mothers’ and sisters’ Sindoor.
“I also recall the brave soldiers of Operation Sindoor, who had avenged every single tear. Today, the inauguration of this new industrial unit in J&K is a clear and powerful declaration that India will neither halt nor pause, but will march forward on the path of development with renewed vigour and self-confidence.”
He shared key figures to highlight J&K’s industrial transformation following the launch of the New Industrial Policy in 2021.
“In financial year 2025-26 alone, Jammu Kashmir attracted investment of Rs 5,824 crore – more than 13 times the average investment recorded before 2021,” he said.
The Lt Governor said in FY 2022-23 investment was Rs 2,153 crore, in FY 2023-24 Rs 3,389 crore, and in FY 2024-25 Rs 4,145 crore. In addition, half the preliminary work has already been completed on 312 units worth Rs 7,864 crore, with production expected to begin in FY 2026-27.
He said J&K has also seen, for the first time, the establishment of several units with investments exceeding Rs 500 crore, including Chiripal Polyfilms (Rs 1,215 crore), Kandhari Beverages (Rs 830 crore), and Aegios (Rs 666 crore). Three more units are expected to start production in FY 2026- 27.
“The number of startups has risen from just 69 in 2020 to 1,305 in FY 2025-26 — a growth of over 1,800 per cent. Combined with all industrial units and PMEGP-supported units, millions of young people have gained better employment opportunities,” the Lt Governor said.
Referring to Eveready Industries India Limited’s new industrial unit, he said the plant will create local jobs, boost ancillary units, suppliers, and service providers, promote skill development, generate opportunities for women, and make a significant contribution to the economic development of J&K.
“Inauguration of Eveready’s plant, along with the changed atmosphere in the Union Territory, reflects the sustained efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership a new destiny has been written for J&K. His vision has turned the dream of a prosperous J&K into reality,” Sinha said.
The Lt Governor observed that the industrial revolution being witnessed across Samba, Kathua, Jammu, and many parts of Kashmir is a living symbol of a new era for J&K.
“In the past 5 years, the scale of industrial development has moved beyond mere economic figures and become the most powerful medium of transformation across the Union Territory,” he said.
In a veiled attack on Pakistan, the Lt Governor said through today’s inauguration, a message has been sent to the whole world that while the neighbouring country continues to run factories of terrorism, India is building factories of progress and success.
“Today, we have told the world that while our neighbour’s factories churn out terrorists, India’s factories are engaged in nation-building. We are also conveying that the economic potential, industrial energy and inclusive development of J&K are advancing with a new sense of pride,” he said.
Mohit Burman, Non-Executive Director, Eveready Industries India, said the greenfield facility will generate around 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities at full scale in the region.
He said the company also aims to contribute to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
Eveready’s new manufacturing plant boasts a robust annual peak production capacity of approximately 360 million alkaline batteries with an annual installed capacity of 456 million, he said.
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