Srinagar, June 27 (JKNS): Calling for positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a national hub for Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) innovation and entrepreneurship, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma on Saturday said the government is committed to building an innovation-driven economy through progressive policies, digital transformation and startup-led growth.
As per news agency JKNS, Minister Sharma attended the D2CIA 1st National Conclave 2026, where the Jammu & Kashmir Chapter of the D2C Industry Association (D2CIA) was formally launched.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani,Film makers,entrepreneurs, startup founders, industry leaders and stakeholders were present on the occasion
The Minister said that the launch of the D2CIA J&K Chapter marks a significant milestone in the journey of building a robust innovation-driven economy and reflects the growing confidence of investors and entrepreneurs in Jammu & Kashmir.
Satish Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Government is committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurship, innovation and employment generation. He said that transparent governance, progressive policies, digital transformation and skill development initiatives are opening new avenues for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.
Highlighting the immense potential of the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) sector, the Minister said that the future of Indian commerce lies in innovation-led, technology-driven enterprises capable of reaching customers directly. He emphasized that Jammu & Kashmir must become an active participant in this transformation by empowering startups, MSMEs, artisans, farmers and young entrepreneurs with digital platforms, market access and policy support.
Referring to the tourism sector, Satish Sharma said that Kashmir is steadily reclaiming its position as one of India’s premier destinations, with record tourist footfalls, improved infrastructure and new tourism circuits creating unprecedented opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. He said every visitor contributes to the local economy, strengthening livelihoods and creating sustainable employment.
The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment towards promoting sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment and nation-building. He said that investments in sports infrastructure, coaching facilities and athlete development are investments in the future of Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasizing the Government’s uncompromising stand against drug abuse, Satish Sharma said that the anti-drug campaign remains a top priority. He called upon educational institutions, civil society, families and community leaders to join hands with the Government in protecting the youth from the menace of drugs and building a healthier society.
Calling upon entrepreneurs and industry leaders to invest in Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister assured them that the Government will continue to facilitate ease of doing business, encourage innovation and strengthen industry-government partnerships to make the region a preferred investment destination.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, also addressed the gathering and said that the Government is focused on creating an enabling ecosystem where entrepreneurship, innovation and technology become the driving forces of economic transformation. He observed that Jammu & Kashmir possesses immense potential in the D2C, startup and MSME sectors, and initiatives such as the D2CIA Chapter will provide a strong platform for local enterprises to connect with national and global markets.
Nasir Aslam Wani further emphasized that sustained collaboration between the Government, industry bodies, educational institutions and young entrepreneurs is essential for building a resilient and future-ready economy. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to policy support, investment facilitation and skill development, stating that every effort is being made to ensure that Jammu & Kashmir emerges. (JKNS)
