Jammu and Kashmir has an industrial policy on paper, but its lack of implementation has turned it into little more than a document of unfulfilled promises. While the government frequently highlights its commitment to economic growth, the ground reality tells a different story. The region still lacks major industries that can absorb educated youth into the workforce, and bureaucratic delays continue to choke small-scale enterprises before they can even take off.
A glaring example of this failure is the prolonged delay in land allotment for entrepreneurs, including first-time business owners and startups. Despite an official framework for industrial development, the process remains stuck in red tape. Reports indicate that just weeks ago, the Directorate had initiated steps to review applications for land allocation, but higher authorities abruptly halted the process. Such unexplained interventions only fuel suspicions of vested interests and governance inefficiencies.
The inaction is particularly concerning given the aspirations of the youth in J&K. Without adequate employment opportunities, many young people risk falling into despair, which can lead to negative outcomes such as drug abuse or radicalization. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs who wish to contribute to local economic growth are left struggling against an indifferent system. Startups, which are vital for innovation and self-reliance, are finding it nearly impossible to take off due to bureaucratic hurdles. The delay in land allotment after the formation of the new government raises pressing questions: Is industrial growth truly a priority, or is it just another political slogan?
If the government is serious about economic revival, it must move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action. Industrial policies are meant to be implemented, not just announced. Transparent and time-bound processes for land allotment, active support for local enterprises, and a commitment to ease of doing business are essential. Otherwise, the promises of economic transformation will remain just another chapter in the long history of missed opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir.
