The Jammu and Kashmir administration is prepared to enact further policy adjustments to cultivate a stable and predictable environment for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and the burgeoning field of emerging technologies, according to Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. This strategic initiative aims to position the Union Territory as a compelling and competitive destination for forward-looking enterprises.
Speaking at a two-day workshop dedicated to GCCs, Dulloo articulated the government’s objective to establish a concrete roadmap for attracting investment, fostering employment opportunities, and fortifying the technological landscape within Jammu and Kashmir. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the administration is keen on ensuring long-term policy stability to attract significant foreign investment. “If it is felt necessary that for this segment, like GCC and emerging technologies, we need some additional legislation, the government will definitely consider how to make a permanent policy ecosystem available, so that the issue of predictability does not arise again,” he informed industry representatives present at the event.
The existing single-window clearance system is designed to expedite the principal approvals necessary for the establishment of GCCs. The government has committed to continuously enhancing the predictability and reducing the timelines associated with these processes. Furthermore, the administration plans to address industry-specific requirements concerning suitable locations, adequate floor space, and precise infrastructure specifications within designated industrial estates and IT spaces in Jammu and Srinagar, ensuring these are met within stipulated timelines. This proactive approach underscores the administration’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem.
In a significant development for the region’s technological advancement, a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence has recently been established through a collaborative effort with IIT Jammu, securing the necessary approval from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Concurrently, a phased development of an IT and future technologies park is underway, with the initial phase already commenced. These initiatives are pivotal in building the foundational infrastructure required to support advanced technological operations and attract sophisticated businesses.
Regarding the draft GCC policy, the Chief Secretary emphasized its potential to integrate practical industry insights and lessons learned from other successful GCC destinations, moving beyond a purely theoretical framework. The policy is intended to be a dual-purpose instrument, supporting both investment and employment generation while remaining harmoniously aligned with Jammu and Kashmir’s overarching sustainable development objectives. This balanced approach aims to ensure that economic growth is both robust and environmentally responsible.
Industry stakeholders were actively encouraged to provide candid feedback, highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s existing strengths and identifying any potential gaps that might influence corporate board decisions regarding the location of their GCCs within the Union Territory. Dulloo characterized the summit as the commencement of a sustained dialogue between the government and the industry, affirming the administration’s readiness to listen, learn, and adapt to the evolving needs of the industry to ensure Jammu and Kashmir is fully prepared to host GCCs.
The Chief Secretary further elaborated on the evolving nature of GCCs, noting their transformation from conventional support centers to hubs for enterprise value creation and, increasingly, innovation. He underscored the critical role that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are playing in shaping the future trajectory of these centers. This evolution signifies a shift towards more strategic and value-driven operations within GCCs, demanding a sophisticated technological and policy environment.
The Jammu and Kashmir government’s commitment to creating a stable and predictable policy ecosystem for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and emerging technologies signals a strategic push to attract significant foreign investment and foster technological innovation within the region. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s statements at a recent workshop underscored the administration’s proactive stance in developing a clear roadmap for investment, employment generation, and strengthening the technology sector. The focus on policy adjustments, infrastructure development, and collaborative efforts with academic institutions like IIT Jammu highlights a comprehensive approach to positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a competitive destination for future-oriented businesses. The government’s willingness to incorporate industry feedback into policy formulation, particularly concerning the draft GCC policy, demonstrates a commitment to creating an environment that is not only conducive to business growth but also aligned with sustainable development goals. The ongoing development of an IT and future technologies park, coupled with the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, are tangible steps towards building the necessary infrastructure to support the sophisticated demands of modern GCCs, which are increasingly becoming innovation hubs rather than mere support centers.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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