Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Jammu and Kashmir to prioritize technology adoption, green growth, formalization, and export competitiveness to enhance their standing in the global market.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Sinha made these remarks during the second edition of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) MSME Conclave 2026 held in Jammu. He emphasized the crucial role of MSMEs in bolstering India’s economic resilience, driving employment generation, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to exports.
Delving into the national significance of the sector, Sinha stated that MSMEs contribute 31.3 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and account for nearly half of India’s total exports, besides being the second-largest employment provider after agriculture.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the emerging opportunities for smaller enterprises, particularly in tier-II cities, with the rise of Nano Global Capability Centres (GCCs) powered by artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced digital infrastructure. He suggested that this model could empower businesses in cities like Jammu and Srinagar to develop and scale world-class technological capabilities, thereby leveling the playing field against larger corporations.
Sinha outlined four core priorities for the MSME sector: ensuring access to affordable credit, facilitating technology upgradation, improving supply-chain integration, and reducing administrative bottlenecks. He also advocated for a progressive approach to sustainable trade, encouraging MSMEs to adopt green technologies and renewable energy sources. Formalizing micro industries, he added, would significantly improve their access to institutional credit.
Furthermore, Sinha stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships between educational institutions and industries. He called for the establishment of incubation centers and design studios within industrial clusters to stimulate innovation and promote entrepreneurship across the region.
Addressing export potential, the Lieutenant Governor noted that Jammu and Kashmir possesses considerable advantages due to its unique climate and distinct traditional production chains. He urged for the large-scale promotion of initiatives such as the “One District, One Export Hub” program.
Highlighting the growth trajectory of the MSME ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha shared that investments in the sector reached Rs 5,824 crore during 2025-26. The number of startups saw a substantial increase, growing from 69 in 2020 to 1,305 in 2025-26. Udyam registrations have also surged, from approximately 24,000 in 2021 to 6.16 lakh in the current year.
During his address, Sinha called upon industry leaders and other stakeholders to contribute to building a society free from militancy and corruption, emphasizing a merit-based approach in all endeavors. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to automate the counting of offerings at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, with two Cash Recycler Machines already installed and the remaining to be deployed within two weeks.
The MSME Conclave was attended by senior government officials, prominent industry leaders, investors, and representatives from various trade and business organizations, underscoring the sector’s collaborative spirit and forward-looking agenda.
The Chenab Times News Desk