A national level delegation of Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) met the Jammu and Kashmir state unit in Kathua to discuss the New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) and concerns of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The delegation convened in order to press for clarity on scheme implementation and to seek remedies for obstacles faced by local enterprises. The meeting took place on 12 February in Kathua and was organised by the Kathua unit led by Manoj Goyal.

The delegation was led by Om Prakash Mittal, former All India national president, and included Arvind Dhumal, national vice president and Prabhari of the North Zone, and Parveen Pargal, National Executive Member and Prabhari for Jammu and Kashmir. State office bearers attending included Dinesh Gupta as state president, Ankit Gupta as vice president and Aagam Jain as general secretary. The deputation that later met officials in New Delhi was led by Om Gupta, national general secretary.

Representatives sought extension and enhancement of the NCSS so that all MSME units that applied before 30 September 2024 receive full benefits under the scheme and pressed for the announcement of a new 10-year industrial package for Jammu and Kashmir. They highlighted that after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A the Government of India announced an investment package of Rs 284 billion (bn) to be implemented over 16 years from 2021 to 2037. The delegation argued that the package has not yielded expected results for many units owing to implementation shortfalls.

The delegation explained that administrative delays, the non-availability of developed industrial estates and delayed physical possession of allotted land prevented many genuine MSME investors from completing registration within the prescribed time despite making substantial investments and completing most formalities. The proceedings were conducted by Aagam Jain and prominent industrialists present included Perminder Singh, Ritesh Kumar Sharma and Sudhir Sambyal among others. Organisers called for administrative measures to regularise eligible applications and expedite land allotment and infrastructure development.