Lays foundation of Chamber building
Avtar Bhat
UDHAMPUR, Nov 20: Maintaining that though Udhampur district had vast natural resources and potential in agriculture and milk sector for development, Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Ministries of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh today said the district was ignored by earlier Governments for their vote bank politics to appease a particular section of society.
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Talking to media persons on the sidelines of laying the foundation stone and performing Bhoomi Pujan of the new building of the Udhampur Chamber of Commerce at Battal Balia near here, Dr Jitendra Singh said this Chamber building which was constructed in the district for the first time could have been built 50 years ago but the earlier Governments were not inclined for the development of this entire region just for their vested political interests.
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He said besides, Agriculture and milk sector the Udhampur and its hilly reaches have a lot of potential in Horticulture sector but no one bothered in exploiting the same during previous Governments. “It was only after Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister, Kalahari got GI Tag and the district came on national map of India under One District One Product Scheme”.
He said with the sanctioning of New Industrial Estate in Udhampur, the opportunities for employment have been opened for the local youth by Modi Government.
Dr Jitendra Singh said Udhampur will get an identity and its revenue generation will get boost through its milk products including Kalahari like Amul milk products of Gujarat.
He said after Bhaderwah the Lavender cultivation has been taken up in upper reaches of Lathi in Udhampur district to boost the economy of local farmers. Dr Jitendra Singh further said that Agri and milk potential in the district is being promoted in this district for first time to promote startup and revenue generation.
The foundation stone ceremony of the Chamber was organised by president Udhampur Chamber of Commerce, Sham Kalsotra and his team, and attended by senior Government officials, prominent members of the local business community, MLAs Pawan Gupta, RS Pathania, Balwant Mankotia, Sunil Bhardwaj, DDC Chairman, Lal Chand, BJP president, Arun Gupta, and representatives from trade associations.
DC Saloni Rai, SSP Amod Nagpure and senior officials were also present.
The initiative aims to strengthen the economic infrastructure of Udhampur and provide a structured platform to support local enterprises, facilitate investments and promote sustainable growth. This marks a significant milestone in the promotion of business, trade, and entrepreneurship in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the foundation of the Udhampur Chamber of Commerce is a historic step towards building a robust business ecosystem in the district. He added that the initiative will empower local communities, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen trade and investment opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Minister also highlighted that the Chamber will complement ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, ensuring that enhanced connectivity and transport facilities translate into tangible economic benefits for local businesses and the community.
The Chamber will offer business incubation, advisory services, skill development programmes, and financial guidance for local entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It will also act as a bridge between investors and local businesses, creating opportunities for domestic and foreign investment and generating employment in the region.
The programme was attended by local business leaders, MLA Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA Ramnagar, Sunil Bhardwaj, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, SSP Udhampur, Amod Ashok Nagpure, DDC members, senior officers from the civil Administration and Police, and prominent citizens.
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