Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Chowdhary, today said that a vibrant industrial sector is imperative for socio- economic development of an area and steps are underway to catalyze the process.

The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing the officers during a review meeting held here today to review the working of Industries and Commerce (I&C) Department.

Director Industries and Commerce Department Jammu, Dr. Arun Manhas, Joint Directors I&C Department Jammu, General Managers of I&C Department Jammu Division and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

While emphasinig on ensuring employability of local youth in the industry, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the sector has the potential of being one of the major job provider to the youth. He directed the officers to ensure that more employability of local youth is ensured in all industrial estates and industries across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Deputy Chief Minister also asked the officers to strictly implement the guidelines so framed for establishing industrial units. He asked the officers to undertake regular inspections of the industrial estates ensuring that there is no violation vis-a- vis working conditions and environmental concerns. He also directed for complying with the environmental concerns, keeping in view the fragile ecology of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, Director I&C Department, Arun Manhas gave an overview of various schemes being implemented by the Industries Department

Later, a delegation of All Jammu and Kashmir Patwar Association comprising District President Kishtwar, District President Poonch, District President Rajouri and other executive members called on the Deputy Chief Minister and submitted a memorandum of their demands including  grade pay, delimitation of patwar halqas and creation of new Girdawar circles, DPC in Jammu province and other related demands.

Another deputation of Engineers, who were engaged under the now disbanded ‘Self Help Group of Engineers Scheme’ (SHGES) demanded restoration of the scheme.