Samba, Apr 22 (KNO): Asserting that PM Modi’s vision has turned the dream of a prosperous Jammu Kashmir into reality, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that he (the Prime Minister) has written Jammu and Kashmir’s new destiny.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of ‘Eveready Industries India Limited’s’ new industrial unit here, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Inauguration of Eveready's plant, along with the changed atmosphere in the Union Territory, reflects the sustained efforts of PM Modi, under whose leadership a new destiny has been written for Jammu Kashmir. His vision has turned the dream of a prosperous Jammu Kashmir into reality."
He said, “The plant established with an investment of Rs 200 crore, will create local jobs, boost ancillary units, suppliers, and service providers, promote skill development, generate opportunities for women, and make a significant contribution to the economic development of Jammu Kashmir.”
The Lieutenant Governor said, “The industrial revolution we are witnessing today is a living symbol of new era for Jammu Kashmir. In the past 5 years, the scale of industrial development has moved beyond mere economic figures and become the most powerful medium of transformation across Union Territory.”
"Establishing this esteemed company's plant is a landmark moment for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. It signals readiness to embrace opportunity, serve the nation and light the way to the future. It also reflects strong confidence in the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir," the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor shared significant figures to highlight industrial transformation of Jammu Kashmir after New Industrial Policy was launched in 2021.
He said in financial year 2025 26 alone, Jammu Kashmir attracted investment of Rs. 5,824 crore—more than 13 times the average investment recorded before 2021. In FY 2022 23 investment was Rs. 2,153 crore, in FY 2023 24 Rs. 3,389 crore, and in FY 2024 25 Rs. 4,145 crore.
In addition, half the preliminary work has already been completed on 312 units worth Rs. 7,864 crore, with production expected to begin in FY 2026 27. Jammu Kashmir has also seen, for the first time, the establishment of several units with investments exceeding Rs. 500 crore, including Chiripal Polyfilms (Rs. 1,215 crore), Kandhari Beverages (Rs. 830 crore), and Aegios (Rs. 666 crore). Three more units are expected to start production in FY 2026 27.
"The number of startups has risen from just 69 in 2020 to 1,305 in FY 2025 26—a growth of over 1,800%. Combined with all industrial units and PMEGP supported units, millions of young people have gained better employment opportunities," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Mohit Burman, Non-Executive Director, Eveready Industries India Limited said that the state-of-the-art greenfield facility will generate around 500 direct and indirect employment opportunities at full scale in the region. He said the company also aims to contribute to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
Eveready’s new manufacturing plant boasts a robust annual peak production capacity of approximately 360 million alkaline batteries with an annual installed capacity of 456 million. Marking a significant scale-up in the industry’s production capabilities, Eveready’s Jammu facility will give an impetus to India’s domestic manufacturing while catering to the country’s growing demand for high-performance power solutions.
Arjun Lamba, Non-Executive Director; Eveready Industries India Limited; Anirban Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer; Bibek Agarwala, Executive Director and CFO; Sandeep Banerjee, Chief Human Resource Officer; Arun Sahay, Head Operations and other members of Eveready Industries India Limited were present.
Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; Ayushi Sudan Deputy Commissioner Samba; Arun Kumar Manhas, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu; senior officials and representatives of trade and industrial organisations also attended the inaugural ceremony—(KNO)