Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 25: Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that institutions like the Chamber of Commerce can play a vital role in linking Jammu and Kashmir’s youth with India’s expanding Startup movement.
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Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the three-day National Members’ Retreat of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Srinagar, Singh said India’s economic growth can only accelerate through an integrated approach that ensures equal participation of both public and private sectors.
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Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack and its potential impact on tourism, the Minister said the retreat itself was a strong message that Kashmir remains a safe and attractive destination. “The Government is committed to supporting Kashmir’s economy,” he said.
Singh underlined that the Government has significantly expanded public-private participation in key sectors, including opening the nuclear sector to private players for the first time.
“Earlier, we opened the space sector for private players. This year, the nuclear sector has also been opened. We believe India’s rise from the fourth-largest economy to the second or first will only be possible through equal participation of the public and private sectors,” he added.
The Minister said unexplored areas such as the Himalayas, India’s 11,500 km coastline, and sectors like agriculture and space offered immense potential for growth. He noted that Kashmir was already emerging as a hub of innovation through the “Purple Revolution,” which began in Gulmarg and Bhaderwah and has now created new opportunities in lavender-based Startups.
“Thousands of young people are earning their livelihoods through lavender cultivation and entrepreneurship. It is a new source of trade and income,” Singh said, adding that institutions like the Chamber of Commerce can play a vital role in connecting J&K’s youth with India’s Startup ecosystem.
The ICC Jammu Chapter Chairman Rahul Sahai said the retreat was part of the Chamber’s centenary celebrations and was attended by members and their families from across India.
“After the Pahalgam attack, this was the first national chamber to take the initiative and come to Srinagar. It was a step to revive tourism. Our members are also investors, and they will explore new schemes and opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
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