A Legacy of Visionary Leadership and Inclusive Growth
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the esteemed former Prime Minister, fills me with deep respect and admiration. He was a leader who embodied wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of all regions in India. It was under his leadership that I had the privilege of working on several critical initiatives for Jammu and Kashmir, witnessing firsthand his visionary approach to inclusive growth.
During my tenure as the leader of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), I had numerous opportunities to meet Dr. Singh and attend special programs led by him. One of the most defining moments in both my career and personal interactions with Dr. Singh occurred in 2009. That year, under my leadership, FCIK made the bold decision to return the industrial incentive package announced by the central government in 2002. This decision, widely covered by the media, was a response to growing dissatisfaction in our region with the scheme's implementation, which, in our view, failed to address the core issues it was intended to resolve.
The day of our meeting with the Prime Minister at Hari Niwas in Jammu arrived. I was accompanied by my Vice President, Ghulam Mohammad Tramboo, and Secretary General, Syed Afaq Ahmad Qadiri. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the Secretary of Industries and Commerce, who conveyed a message from Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. The Chief Minister advised us to reconsider our decision to return the package and instead present a charter of demands, which the state government would fully support.
Despite the persuasion, we made it clear that our intention was not to embarrass the Prime Minister but to protest the lack of attention to our region’s concerns. We reassured them that we knew how to express our protest in a dignified manner.
At the meeting, Dr. Singh was surrounded by key figures, including Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, JKPCC Chief Saif ud Din Soz, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Dr. Haseeb Drabu and several central and state officials. We handed over the incentive package, wrapped in gift paper with a ribbon, as a symbolic gesture of our protest. I addressed Dr. Singh with the following remarks:
"Sir, I have long admired your visionary policies and their impact on the Indian economy. I remember you saying in Parliament that 'whatever breeds inequality in opportunities should be abandoned.' This package, though well-intentioned, has only bred inequality in our region. More than 95% of its incentives have gone to units concentrated in just two districts out of the 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, with 90% going to outside investors. Despite our repeated efforts to include existing local units, we have been unsuccessful. We ask you to abandon this scheme of inequalities."
This moment was not just about expressing frustration; it highlighted our demand for policies that genuinely empower local industries and create meaningful opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, rather than perpetuating existing inequalities. Though some dignitaries were visibly unsettled by our action, Dr. Singh listened intently, acknowledged our concerns, and promised to revisit the issue. He then passed the booklet to his Principal Secretary, urging further discussions in Delhi.
The booklet, which we handed to the Prime Minister, was published by J&K SIDCO. Upon learning of our action, the then Managing Director of SIDCO called me to express his displeasure, fearing the negative repercussions it might have on him, FCIK, and the entire industrial community in the region.
However, Dr. Singh was never driven by revenge or malice. He respected diverse forms of protest, understanding that each method of resistance held its own significance. His approach to conflict was one of thoughtful, peaceful resistance, emphasizing the importance of dialogue while respecting the right to protest in all forms.
As a result of our unique protest, the Prime Minister directed that a review of the industrial packages for Jammu and Kashmir and the North East be included as an additional task for the Task Force on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which was under constitution on the representation of MSME associations. Chaired by his Principal Secretary, T.K.A. Nair, the Task Force was set to focus on addressing key issues such as credit, marketing, labour, rehabilitation, exit policy, infrastructure, technology, skill development and taxation. As President of FCIK, I was appointed a member of the group, alongside Anil Goswami, the then Principal Secretary of Industries and Commerce in Jammu and Kashmir.
Under T.K.A. Nair’s leadership, our team worked closely to identify policy bottlenecks and propose measures for the Prime Minister’s approval. Over time, the task force successfully realigned the policy, making it more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of various regions, especially Jammu and Kashmir. This revised framework supported existing industries and was harmonized with policies aimed at the North Eastern states, ensuring no disparities.
One significant achievement of the Task Force was the approval of a corpus fund for the revival of sick industries and the allocation of grant-in-aid for the Jammu and Kashmir State Financial Corporation (J&KSFC). While these initiatives were announced with much anticipation, their implementation was delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles. Nevertheless, Dr. Singh’s vision for an inclusive policy remains a testament to his commitment to equitable development for all regions.
In August 2010, while traveling from Anantnag to Srinagar, I received a call from a close friend informing me that Dr. Manmohan Singh, in a televised message, had announced the formation of a high-level expert group to develop a jobs plan for Jammu and Kashmir. The group, headed by former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan, was tasked with improving the "employability" of youth in the state. To my surprise, my name was included in the 6-member group.
In his message, Dr. Singh said, "I am proposing to set up an Expert Group headed by Dr. C. Rangarajan, with N. R. Narayana Murthy, Tarun Das, P. Nanda Kumar, Shakeel Qalander, and an official representative of the J&K Government, to formulate a Jobs Plan for the State, involving both the public and private sectors."
The announcement came amidst significant unrest in the valley, and I was initially taken aback. I had neither been consulted nor given the opportunity to consent before the announcement. Later, I learned that the decision had been made at the recommendation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who trusted my data-based approach over others.
The composition of the group, which apart from Economic Advisor Dr. C. Rangarajan included highly respected individuals such as Infosys founder N.R Narayana Murthy, former CII Patron Tarun Das, former Agriculture Secretary Nanda Kumar, former Chief Secretary and B.B Vyas, made me feel privileged to be part of it. It was an opportunity to contribute to measures aimed at improving the prospects of youth in Jammu and Kashmir.
During our meetings, we deliberated on various ideas to address the challenges faced by J&K youth in accessing quality education. One key proposal I put forward was the creation of supernumerary seats in educational institutions across India for J&K students. This initiative aimed to create additional opportunities in medical, engineering, and other professional courses, addressing the barriers to higher education. While most of the group supported the proposal in principle, the Chairman assured us it would be discussed further with the Prime Minister before a final decision was made.
In addition to this, the group focused on skill development. N. R Narayan Murthy suggested partnering with multinational companies to provide training programs for J&K youth, with opportunities for employment afterward, through a public-private partnership model.
As part of our efforts, Dr. Rangarajan arranged a meeting with Dr. Singh which lasted for more than one and a half hours during which we were served with high tea and snacks. At the meeting, Dr. Rangarajan presented the various initiatives under consideration, and it was then that Mr. Murthy mentioned my proposal regarding educational opportunities for J&K youth.
When it was my turn, I explained the idea of allocating supernumerary seats for J&K students in medical, engineering, and other colleges across India for a period of 10 years. We discussed the proposal for a long time, with Dr. Singh asking several important questions about implementation. Other members contributed to the discussion, and Dr. Singh was convinced of its merit. However, he suggested we consult with Kapil Sibal, the Minister of Human Resource Development, to gather his perspective before proceeding. Unfortunately when the proposal was discussed with Mr. Sibal, he raised concerns that other states and union territories might request similar schemes, leading to complications for the central government.
Although the supernumerary seats proposal was not approved, Dr. Singh responded positively by introducing alternative initiatives. Under his leadership, the government launched scholarship programs under the SSS scheme and skill development programs such as Udaan and Himayat. These initiatives have provided invaluable opportunities for young people in the region, equipping them with the skills necessary to pursue meaningful careers.
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Singh many more times, both during and after his tenure as Prime Minister. His governance was always centered on inclusivity, believing that no region, community, or individual should be left behind in India’s growth. His leadership during economic reforms was guided by the belief that policies must create equal opportunities for all, not just the privileged few.
Dr. Singh’s vision and wisdom shaped every decision he made. His ability to listen to people from all regions and understand their concerns was extraordinary. He never allowed any community’s challenges to be sidelined in national policy.
As we bid farewell to this great statesman, I remember his unwavering commitment to uplifting all people, regardless of their background. His belief in inclusive development was not just a political slogan but a guiding principle that transformed lives.
Dr. Singh’s legacy will continue to inspire future leaders. His approach to economic policy, focused on equity, opportunity, and fairness, remains a model for all. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him and for the lasting impact he had on the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation.
Rest in peace, Dr. Manmohan Singh. Your leadership will continue to inspire us all for generations to come.
Syed Shakeel Qalander, Social Activist and Former President, Federation of Chamber of Industries of Kashmir
