Thursday 12th – Chief Spokesperson JKNC and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, today emphasized that key departments such as Public Works, Industries & Commerce, Mining, and Labour & Employment play a decisive role in strengthening the economic dignity, infrastructure backbone, and employment landscape of Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking on the grants Tanvir stressed that timely infrastructure execution remains critical and called for Advance Administrative Approval and Authorization for macadamisation works well before the working season begins to ensure smooth and efficient completion. He also highlighted the urgent necessity of a flyover outside SKIMS, stating that improved traffic flow in the area is essential to facilitate unhindered patient and emergency movement including Nowshera- Soura road, Hawal MK chowk, Syeda Kadal to Ashia Bagh road.
Highlighting the concerns of the handicrafts sector, Sadiq said that thousands of artisans, particularly in areas like Zadibal, continue to face financial distress due to declining demand, inflation, and systemic challenges. He underscored the need for loan restructuring or relief measures, waiver of interest liabilities, and fresh financial support to revive the sector. He further emphasized the importance of protecting and promoting the unique identity of Kashmiri crafts and establishing institutional platforms that honor the contribution of artisans.
He also stressed the importance of adopting modern and sustainable practices in the cement sector, including the use of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) as an alternative energy source. He said RDF not only helps in scientific waste management but also reduces environmental pollution and energy costs for cement plants. Tanvir Sadiq emphasized that cement plants in Jammu & Kashmir must be upgraded with modern technology, improved efficiency standards, and environmental safeguards to enhance production capacity, reduce dependence on imports, and create more local employment while ensuring environmentally responsible industrial growth.
Drawing attention to the hardships faced by JK Cements pensioners, he said many former employees who dedicated their lives to the institution are living without adequate social and medical security, and their welfare deserves urgent attention.
On the mining sector, Sadiq noted that the operationalisation of gypsum mines has the potential to generate local employment, strengthen allied industries, and reduce dependence on external supplies. He stressed that local youth must be given priority and policies must ensure transparent and equitable utilization of resources.
He further highlighted the urgent need to strengthen employment generation and worker welfare by expanding skill development initiatives, providing social security to informal workers, and extending financial support to artisans, shikara owners, and labourers dependent on Dal Lake.
Sadiq also emphasized the importance of exploring structured overseas employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir through safe, government-supported mechanisms, drawing inspiration from successful models adopted by other states.
He reiterated that sustainable development must remain people-centric, ensuring that infrastructure, economic opportunity, and social security reach every section of society, particularly the youth, workers, and artisan communities who form the backbone of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy.
