Omar Abdullah pushes tourism, craft revival in J&K

Srinagar, Apr 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the government is working to boost tourism and revive traditional crafts while also preparing a new industrial incentive policy to address gaps in investment and implementation.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar Abdullah said the tourism season had begun with the opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which is set to close on Wednesday, and efforts are underway to expand tourist experiences.

“We are bringing new things for tourists. Visitors are being introduced to Kashmir’s crafts at one place, including shawls, wood carvings and copper work,” he said, referring to initiatives aimed at showcasing local artisans.

The chief minister said the administration is promoting a “Know Your Artisan” programme to connect tourists and residents with craftsmen and highlight their skills.

“We do not realise how much magic is in the hands of our craftsmen. We want not only tourists but also locals to come and benefit from such initiatives,” he said.

Abdullah also raised concerns about the decline of traditional markets, noting that a heritage marketplace in the area had become defunct over time.

“More than 80 shops have shut. We need to understand where the artisans have gone and how to bring them back into the system,” he said.

On industrial development, Abdullah said the previous incentives policy had ended in September and the government is working on a revised framework based on stakeholder feedback.

“There is no benefit if incentives remain on paper and do not translate on the ground. We are consulting both existing unit holders and prospective investors to design a policy that actually works,” he said.

He said the aim is to ensure better implementation and encourage investment, adding that the industries and commerce department is gathering inputs to finalise the policy.

On national politics, Abdullah said he would attend a meeting of the opposition INDIA bloc in New Delhi later in the day to discuss a coordinated response to a proposed bill.

“We will discuss what our role should be in Parliament. Such decisions cannot be taken alone; the alliance will decide collectively,” he said.

He also expressed concerns over past delimitation exercises, alleging that constituency boundaries were redrawn in a way that benefitted certain political interests.

“If any move is aimed at benefiting a particular party rather than the common voter, it will have to be examined carefully,” he added.(KNS).