Jammu Kashmir Launches First-Ever MSME Health Clinic to Revive Struggling Industrial Units

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday launched the Union Territory’s first-ever MSME Health Clinic. The initiative aims to provide timely diagnosis and targeted interventions for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under stress, through an integrated digital platform supported by real-time data and expert mentorship.

The clinic, designed as an institutional support system, will assess the financial and operational health of industrial units and offer specific remedies to stabilise and revive them. Speaking at the launch event, Dulloo described the health clinic as a “critical institutional mechanism” for diagnosing and resolving industrial distress.

“The MSME sector is the backbone of our local economy, and it is imperative we provide proactive support to ensure their survival and long-term viability,” Dulloo said. “The health clinic must evolve into a dynamic platform that is objective, data-driven, and tailored to the specific needs of each unit.”

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of seamless data integration from departments and financial institutions, including the Power Development Department, Udyam portal, EPFO, and banks. These integrations, he said, would help ensure accurate diagnostics and swift response.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir MSME Health Clinic (JKMHC) portal is a first-of-its-kind initiative, aimed at providing analytical insights and early warnings to prevent industrial failure. “This is a data-based system designed not only to monitor but also to support businesses at various stages of distress,” he said.

Arun Manhas, Director Industries, Jammu, provided a detailed overview of the portal’s features, noting that MSMEs can register and log in to access customised reports. The system categorises enterprises as “Stable,” “Recoverable,” or “Prone to Sick” based on a weighted scoring of various financial and operational indicators.

The portal draws its analytics from multiple data points—GST filings, EPFO records, power usage, Udyam registration, and loan performance—to identify early signs of trouble. Issues such as declining turnover, irregular GST returns, loan defaults, delayed payments, and falling cash flows are flagged, triggering targeted advisory and support mechanisms.

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu has been onboarded as a knowledge partner. The institute, in collaboration with industry experts, will design customised recovery plans for each flagged unit. The Industries Department will coordinate handholding and mentorship support through its divisional and district-level offices, in consultation with financial institutions, to place these units back on a sustainable growth track.

Senior officials including MD JKTPO, Directors of Industries and Handicrafts from both Jammu and Kashmir regions, and officers from allied departments were present at the launch. The initiative marks a key milestone in the UT government’s mission to create a resilient, inclusive and growth-oriented industrial ecosystem.