Arun Gupta, the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu and Kashmir, has expressed concerns over the current industrial policies, accusing the government of sidelining the interests of local industries. He made it clear that the Chamber operates independently, without fear or favor, and always prioritizes the welfare of Jammu’s people, even when that means standing up to the government.

“The Chamber does not operate out of fear. Since I assumed my tenure, I have made sure there has been no shortage for the people of Jammu, even if it meant clashing with the government,” Gupta stated firmly. He emphasized that while the region has historically been entitled to certain economic benefits, this entitlement has been undermined by the current government’s policies. “Earlier, we were entitled to certain benefits, and to some extent, those were acknowledged. But today, it’s no longer our entitlement; the government’s role has changed, and now they do what they feel like. The system is not operating as it should, particularly regarding the package.”

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with the handling of the 2021 economic package, claiming that it was hijacked, ultimately benefiting companies from outside the region rather than local entrepreneurs. “The earlier package was hijacked. Investment came from outside, and criteria were set up. Under project reports, there would be numbering and space allocation. And the local youth here remained sidelined,” Gupta lamented. According to him, out of the ₹28,400 crore allocated, a staggering ₹23,000 crore was taken by external companies, leaving little for the local industry.

Gupta stressed that the stakeholders, particularly those who have been involved in the local economy for years, must not be ignored in the formulation of policies. “If you are mature enough, you cannot be ignored. There must be acknowledgment of your contribution, even if you have shortcomings,” he concluded.