‘J&K’s development advancing with new sense of pride’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 22: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated Eveready Industries India Limited’s new industrial unit in Samba. The plant established with an investment of Rs 200 crore, 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 Jammu Kashmir.
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“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 Jammu Kashmir. His vision has turned the dream of a prosperous Jammu Kashmir into reality,” he said.
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Sinha observed that across Samba, Kathua, Jammu and many parts of Kashmir, the industrial revolution we are witnessing today is a living symbol of new era for Jammu Kashmir. He said 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 Union Territory
“Establishing this esteemed company’s plant is a landmark moment for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. It signals readiness to embrace opportunity, serve the nation and light the way to the future. It also reflects strong confidence in the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Addressing a gathering after inauguration ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor shared significant figures to highlight industrial transformation of Jammu and Kashmir after New Industrial Policy was launched in 2021. He said in financial year 2025-26 alone, Jammu and Kashmir attracted investment of Rs. 5,824 crore-more than 13 times the average investment recorded before 2021. 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. Jammu Kashmir 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%. Combined with all industrial units and PMEGP supported units, millions of young people have gained better employment opportunities,” Sinha said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to all the civilians who were martyred in the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22nd April last year. He 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 Jammu and Kashmir 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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said through today’s inauguration, we have also sent a message to the whole world that while our 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 Jammu and Kashmir are advancing with a new sense of pride,” he said.
Mohit Burman, Non-Executive Director, Eveready Industries India Limited said that the state-of-the-art 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 ‘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. Marking a significant scale-up in the industry’s production capabilities, Eveready’s Jammu facility will give an impetus to India’s domestic manufacturing while catering to the country’s growing demand for high-performance power solutions.
Arjun Lamba, Non-Executive Director; Eveready Industries India Limited; Anirban Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer; Bibek Agarwala, Executive Director and CFO; Sandeep Banerjee, Chief Human Resource Officer; Arun Sahay, Head Operations and other members of Eveready Industries India Limited were present.
Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; Ayushi Sudan Deputy Commissioner Samba; Arun Kumar Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu; senior officials and representatives of trade and industrial organisations also attended the inaugural ceremony.
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