JK News Today
Jammu, Nov 29: The National Stock Exchange of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have entered into an agreement to enable small and medium enterprises in the Union Territory to raise funds through the stock market, signalling a shift toward formal capital access for local businesses.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Jammu between senior officials of the Industries and Commerce Department and officials of the National Stock Exchange in the presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Under the agreement, MSMEs in Jammu and Kashmir will be guided on how to access funding through IPOs on NSE’s SME platform, NSE Emerge. Authorities said awareness programmes, workshops and MSME camps will be organised across the Union Territory to help local entrepreneurs understand the listing process and compliance requirements.
Officials said the plan aims to move small businesses away from sole dependence on bank loans by introducing capital market participation. Local firms will be assisted step by step in meeting regulatory norms required for listing.
Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh said the government is focusing on creating a business ecosystem that attracts investments and helps MSMEs grow beyond regional limitations. He said small businesses in the Union Territory must be able to compete nationally and globally using modern financial instruments.
NSE officials said the platform is designed to offer smaller enterprises easier access to capital, build investor trust and increase business visibility. They urged local MSMEs to take advantage of the opportunity and move toward organised financing through stock market participation.
MSMEs in Jammu and Kashmir form the backbone of the local economy but often struggle with limited access to formal credit due to documentation hurdles and lack of collateral. Industry associations have long demanded alternative financing channels to reduce overreliance on traditional banks.
NSE Emerge has already facilitated the listing of hundreds of SMEs across India, enabling companies to raise thousands of crores through public offerings. Officials said similar benefits could transform business operations in Jammu and Kashmir if awareness and participation increase.
The tie-up comes at a time when the administration is trying to attract private investment and push self-employment schemes beyond subsidy-based models
