A crucial meeting was held today under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai to discuss the action plan for establishing a drug de-addiction centre in Udhampur district. The centre will be set up under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) through the District Red Cross Society.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, Additional SP Sandeep Bhat, District Social Welfare Officer Kanika Gupta, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anil Manhas, Tehsildar Udhampur Jai Singh, and Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Udhampur.

During the meeting, detailed discussions took place regarding various aspects of the centre’s establishment. Key points covered included the infrastructure requirements, essential facilities, and logistical arrangements necessary for the smooth and effective functioning of the proposed centre. The participants also explored strategies to ensure the centre can cater to the needs of individuals struggling with drug addiction in the district.

In her address, Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai stressed the importance of creating a supportive and holistic environment at the centre, highlighting the need for not just medical treatment but also counseling and motivational initiatives to help individuals recover. She directed the officers to prioritize psychosocial support for the patients, ensuring that the centre offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including psychological counseling and awareness programs to prevent drug abuse in the community.

Rai emphasized that the community-based approach would be crucial for the success of the initiative, calling for a coordinated effort between health, social welfare, and law enforcement agencies to tackle the drug menace effectively.

The establishment of the drug de-addiction centre in Udhampur is part of a larger national effort to combat drug abuse and its impact on society. The centre will provide a much-needed support system for individuals battling addiction, offering both treatment and rehabilitation to help them reintegrate into society.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from all involved parties to fast-track the establishment process and ensure that the centre is ready to begin operations at the earliest, providing much-needed relief to those struggling with addiction in the district.

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving public grievances in a time-bound manner, ensuring that citizens’ issues are addressed efficiently. Speaking during a series of meetings with various deputations in Jammu today, Choudhary emphasized that clear instructions have already been issued to concerned departments to expedite the redressal process.

The Deputy Chief Minister met with multiple delegations, each highlighting a range of issues affecting their respective sectors.

One of the first delegations to meet Choudhary was from the Anganwadi Workers Union, who raised concerns about their working conditions, remuneration, and other related matters. Choudhary assured the delegation that their issues would be addressed promptly and measures would be taken to improve the working environment for Anganwadi workers.

A second deputation from the Labour Workers Association also presented their grievances, focusing on issues such as poor working conditions, delays in the issuance of labour cards, and inadequate remuneration. The Deputy Chief Minister assured them that their concerns would be flagged for immediate action and directed the concerned authorities to take necessary steps for their welfare.

Additionally, representatives from the Federation of Industries (FOI) and the Small Scale Industries Association Digiana Estate (SSIADE) presented a series of long-standing issues that local industrialists have been facing for over a decade. Key concerns included challenges related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), Value Added Tax (VAT), and other regulatory hurdles. Choudhary promised to engage with relevant departments and work towards resolving these issues, which have been affecting the growth and sustainability of small and medium industries in the region.

Choudhary reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure that all grievances are not only heard but addressed swiftly and effectively. He called for a collaborative approach between various stakeholders, urging departments to work in tandem to ensure that public issues are resolved without delay.

In a show of commitment to transparent governance, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the public that the government’s focus would remain on enhancing public service delivery, improving working conditions, and fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth.

The engagements reflect the administration’s growing emphasis on connecting with citizens at the grassroots level and resolving pressing issues that impact their daily lives.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today delivered the keynote address at the “Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair 2024” via virtual mode, celebrating the rich textile heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and emphasizing the increasing market access and export opportunities for the region’s artisans and local manufacturers.

The Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair, organized by the Department of Industries & Commerce, J&K Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), and the Handloom Export Promotion Council, took place at SKUAST Kashmir and witnessed the participation of national and international buyers, exporters, and importers. The event provided a platform for B2B meetings, exhibitions, and workshops aimed at promoting the region’s unique textile products and connecting stakeholders with global markets.

Keynote Address by the Lieutenant Governor

During his address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the fair’s role in bringing together buyers from across India and abroad, creating valuable opportunities for artisans, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs in the region. He lauded the fair for making significant contributions to the growth of the textile industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair has now become a significant gathering point for buyers from around the world. It is contributing immensely to the growth of the textile sector, benefiting local artisans and manufacturers, and providing a platform for the export of our rich textile products,” said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

He further emphasized the impressive growth achieved by the sector over the last 50 months, noting that Jammu and Kashmir’s textile sector, while celebrating the region’s rich traditions, has achieved notable progress and is on the path to even greater expansion through innovative initiatives.

“A resurgence of the textile sector is underway in Jammu & Kashmir. We are committed to taking this sector further, with new policies and initiatives that will ensure sustained growth and increased global presence for our textiles,” Sinha said.

Government Support and Infrastructure Development

The Lieutenant Governor spoke about the government’s reform-oriented policies, which have been designed to support the craft industry, provide financial assistance, and offer skill training to artisans. He stressed that the region’s unique cultural and artistic heritage makes it globally competitive.

“The textile traditions of Jammu & Kashmir are the pride of India. The intricate designs, exquisite craftsmanship, and subtle shades of our textile products are unmatched. Our artisans have demonstrated to the world that our artistic heritage not only embodies excellence but also maintains sustained excellence in creativity and innovation,” Sinha remarked.

He also pointed to the significant efforts made by the government in developing the necessary infrastructure and providing financial assistance to the sector. The focus, he said, is on fostering skill development to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the textile industry.

Promoting J&K’s Textile Products Globally

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor urged national and international buyers to actively engage in promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s unique textile products. He emphasized that such partnerships are crucial in ensuring the access of J&K’s talented artisans to new markets, both within India and internationally.

“We have great opportunities to work together, and we must build upon the tradition of our cooperation. Let us elevate our productive partnerships to new heights,” Sinha appealed to the buyers and stakeholders present.

Fair Highlights

The Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair 2024 offered a platform for B2B meetings, exhibitions, and workshops where participants could engage in direct interactions with potential buyers, update stakeholders on the latest market trends, and enhance their skills. The event also aimed at educating participants about new opportunities in the textile sector, especially in terms of market access and global networking.

Key dignitaries present at the event included Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST Kashmir, Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary of the Science & Technology Department, Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner/Secretary of the Industries & Commerce Department, Vijay Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director of JKTPO, along with senior officials, artisans, entrepreneurs, and various stakeholders from the textile industry.

Conclusion

The Jammu & Kashmir Textile Sourcing Fair 2024 marked a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to promote its textile industry globally. The event not only showcased the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Jammu and Kashmir but also opened new avenues for export opportunities and collaboration between local artisans and international markets.

As the fair concluded, the region’s textile sector emerged stronger, with renewed enthusiasm and opportunities for growth, underpinned by the government’s continued support and commitment to innovation and market expansion