It is my privilege to welcome Janab Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Congratulations to you on winning a hard fought battle – in the face of militancy and continuous attacks on every institution of democracy. Fighting an election in the conditions that you did was, to say the least, a heroic feat. Now that a democratically elected government is once again in place in J and K, your government, I am sure it will set in motion a new resurgence of the state’s economy.

There is a saying that the Persian couplet, inscribed on the wall of the diwan-e-khas, was actually meant for Kashmir. I quote:

“agar firdaus bar ruye zamin-ast hamin-asto, hamin-asto, hamin-ast”

If there is heaven on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here.

Endowed as your state is with supreme natural beauty, it is inevitable that tourism should be a vital activity. In fact, for Kashmir tourism has been its life-blood, until militancy destroyed it. Your distinguished daughter Ms Mehbooba Mufti has already said that tourism can revive only after normalcy returns to the state. We are sure that under your stewardship J and K would soon return back to normal life, as the early indications already suggest. However, it is important to start work to rebuild the damaged fabric.

Sir, It is critical to attract national and global hospitality industries into Kashmir by identifying hotel reconstruction projects, and earmarking land for new hotel development. It is equally important to market the state as a unique tourist destination and create an apt slogan for the state like Kerala has successfully done with “God’s own country”. I suggest your state should be called “Heaven on Earth”.

Sir, almost as a first measure, announce modernization of the airports in Srinagar and Jammu to international standards so that global charter flights and international carriers can arrive. Attract global companies which can leverage global funds for this project, particularly those from Malaysia, Singapore or Scandinavia, who are keen to participate in the reconstruction efforts.

Immediately announce Dal Lake cleaning and preservation project which according to some estimates would require Rs 260 crores. Both Austria and Switzerland had expressed interest regarding the same to FICCI some years ago.

We suggest a few more concrete steps which should be taken immediately.

Announce a massive reconstruction plan for the repair and rebuilding of the 401 bridges, 828 schools and 40 colleges and polytechnics damaged due to militancy. This will immediately boost the morale of the people, create new jobs and mobilize communities towards rebuilding the state.

Institutionalise private sector involvement in the construction of new roads and bridges supported by World Bank, IL&FS and ADB funding. This would enable seamless movement of tourists and promote agro processing industry in the state.

Implement the FICCI-J&K Report on investment opportunities in agro- processing in the State of Jammu & Kashmir, 1999-2000. The Report offered concrete plans for a spurt in employment, with low investments. For example, real mineral and spring water can be packaged and marketed nationally and globally, using Kashmir as a great brand name. Increased production of hops -an ingredient in beer making which only grows in high altitudes and a low volume high value product not cultivable elsewhere in the world- should be encouraged. Of course, there are many other horticultural and agro-processing ideas based on interviews with entrepreneurs of the State which this Report contains.

Immediately announce plans for two agro processing parks - one for fruits like apples, apricots etc. in Kashmir and another for processing of citrus fruits in Jammu. Upgrade the Jammu Regional Research Lab to lend technical support to the these parks.

Resuscitate the electronics industry in the valley, given its temperate climate.

Produce a policy paper on the possible commercial use of the vast number of genetic materials and high altitude herbs available in Kashmir in the biotech industry with a niche focus.

Finally, the 3.38 lakh artisans producing handicrafts, and carpet makers who generated Rs. 750 crores of carpets despite militancy, need to be given a special help and support in the form of – marketing, finance and quality upgradation facilities. These efforts have to be put in place immediately.

The immense hydro-electric potential of J&K estimated at 15000 MW is being wasted and lying unutilized with only 500 MW being produced today. A Master Plan in this sector is critical for creation of jobs and generation of power.

In other words, the land of opportunity, beauty and grace is back on track and all we need is the political will to fast implement a set of critical rebuilding programmes to bring about a spurt in economic activity. This will automatically bring about a radical decline in extremism, terrorism and the loss of lives.