Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 26: BJP spokesperson and convenor, International Affairs, Gaurav Gupta on Tuesday met Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar and urged the administration to expedite the proposed J&K Semiconductor Policy, stating that the initiative could become a major milestone for employment generation, industrial growth and technological advancement in the UT.
During the meeting, Gupta submitted a detailed representation and referred to the comprehensive draft proposal submitted in January 2026 by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce regarding the semiconductor policy framework for the Union Territory. He also informed the Lieutenant Governor that he had earlier projected the importance of establishing a semiconductor ecosystem in J&K before the administration and consistently advocated for a future-ready technology policy for the UT.
Gupta said the semiconductor sector has emerged as one of the most strategic and future-oriented industries globally, driving innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G communications, automobiles, defence systems, medical devices and advanced electronics.
He highlighted that recent global chip shortages and increasing geopolitical competition have reinforced the need for India to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Gupta said J&K must proactively position itself in this rapidly growing sector to ensure long-term economic development and technological progress.
Gupta informed the Lieutenant Governor that the proposed policy seeks to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a globally competitive hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing and allied value-chain activities. He said the policy aims to attract high-value investments, strengthen industrial infrastructure, promote innovation and create meaningful employment opportunities for local youth.
Emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment, Gupta said the semiconductor industry could open new avenues for engineers, technicians, software professionals, researchers and skilled workers in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that the proposed policy includes dedicated skill incentives for companies employing local youth, which would help create a highly skilled workforce in the Union Territory.
He further stated that the draft policy proposes several fiscal incentives to attract investors, including standalone capital assistance from the UT Government in addition to Government of India incentives, interest subsidy support on term loans, concessional land allotment, waiver on stamp duty, reimbursement on industrial power tariffs and concessional water supply for semiconductor units.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by Gaurav Gupta.
Besides, a delegation of BJP leaders led by Anwar Khan, party general secretary also called on LG. He was accompanied by party secretaries, Arif Raja, Mudassir Wani, spokesperson, Altaf Thakur and Manzoor Bhat. They demanded strict punishment for culprit for killing a minor girl in Budgam.
The delegation of Apple Valley Resorts Association, Anantnag led by its president, Manzoor Ahmed Shah also called on LG.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
