J&K okays 8 projects worth Rs 305 crore

New units expected to create 2,743 jobs

The Jammu and Kashmir government has cleared eight projects to be set up at an investment of Rs 305 crore. The projects cleared by the state industries development corporation included three textile, one agro-based and four pharmaceutical units.

Of these projects, five will be set up in the Samba Industrial Growth Centre, one each in the Bari Brahamana Industrial Estates, the Kathua Industrial Estate and the Rengreth Industrial Estate.

The textile projects cleared are Rs 39.26 crore VL Textiles, Rs 46.11 crore R S Textile of the Donear Group and Rs 110 crore expansion unit of the Chenab Textile Mills.

While VL Textiles will set up a Rs 39.26 crore unit to produce weaving fabric yarn, man-made synthetic yarn, the RS Textiles will set up plants for dying, printing and finishing fabrics at a cost of Rs 46.11 crore.

The Chenab Textile Mills will invest Rs 110 crore in the expansion of its existing units to produce synthetic blended cotton yarn. It is one of the prestigious private sector companies in the state.

Kohinoor International Agro Products Ltd is planning to set up a of Rs 6.30 crore plant to produce packaged juices and dairy products.

Among the pharmaceuticals companies, Cadila will set up a Rs 30 crore plant, Medley Rs 36.50 crore unit and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Rs 20.60 crore facility in the state. Casil Health Products will set up a Rs 7.59 crore facility to produce Plaster of Paris bandage, adhesive tape and disinfectants.

The corporation also approved allotment of land to these companies and took stock of their power requirements.

These units are expected to create 2,743 jobs. Chenab Textile Mills alone is expected to provide employment to 900 people, RS Textile 570, VL Textile 284, Cadila 265 and Medley 277. Glenmark is expected to provide employment to 160 and Casil Health Products 150.

With unemployment being a major challenge, the state government has sought an employment package from the Centre and lifting of the ban on recruitment in government departments.

"The government is pursuing with the Centre announcing of an employment package for educated youth of the state along with lifting of the ban on recruitment in government departments," Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said.