Develop robust innovation ecosystem across J&K: Chief Secretary

Jammu, Nov 12: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the performance and ongoing initiatives of the Centre for Innovation, Technology and Governance (CiTAG), J&K, aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing public service delivery, and strengthening capacity building across government departments.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Planning; Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production and Power Development Departments; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Director, IIM; Managing Director, JPDCL; Director, Industries & Commerce; CEO, ERA; CEO, CiTAG, besides other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the key projects and knowledge initiatives being steered by CiTAG to strengthen governance processes through innovative and data-driven interventions. He emphasized that CiTAG should act as a catalyst in transforming administrative systems through capacity enhancement, technology integration, and policy innovation.
The Chief Secretary directed the expediting of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives identified by CiTAG, including the outsourcing of Hotel Ashok Jammu, Hotel Ashok Gulmarg, and the International Yoga Centre at Mantalai, to unlock their full potential through professional management and sustainable operational models.
He further reviewed various knowledge and policy outputs being developed under CiTAG’s guidance, such as the Skill Gap Study, PPP Policy Framework, Policy for Attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), Road Safety and Urban Mobility Plans, Promotion of Start-ups, and Replication of Best Practices across departments.
Dulloo stressed on the need to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem across J&K, particularly in schools, colleges, universities, and skill development institutions to nurture creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving capabilities among youth.
The Director, IIM, while highlighting the progress of collaborative projects, emphasized the importance of timely delivery and institutional ownership for sustainable outcomes.
The CEO CiTAG took this occasion toinform about the certain knowledge outputs taken out for J&K’s Development. He elaborated that the first phase focuses on key strategic deliverables across several categories, laying the groundwork forsustained growth and development of J&K.
He divulged that the growth drivers initiatives, scheduled for completion between December 2025 and March 2026, include essential studies on employment skill gaps, agricultural development (doubling farmers’ income), attracting FDIs, and creating entrepreneurial ecosystems. Additionally, critical work on urban mobility plans and export promotion is underway, the meeting was apprised.
Moreover the Vision 2047 and Data-driven Decision Making categories will see the implementation of Block chain/AI in governance, digitization of data, strengthening fiscal position, and rationalization of assets by March 2026. Submissions for developing PPP policies and formulating conducive policies for attracting FDIs have already been submitted and are under review, marking immediate progress in enhancing J&K’s economic and administrative landscape.