KD NEWS SERVICE
MUMBAI/JAMMU, Nov 27:
In a significant step aimed at strengthening the business ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate fundraising for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the NSE Emerge platform — the SME-focused IPO board of the NSE.
The MoU was formally exchanged on November 24, 2025, in Jammu between Shri Arun Manhas, Director, Industries and Commerce – Jammu, Shri Khalid Majeed, Director, Industries and Commerce – Kashmir, and Shri Krishnan Iyer, Senior Vice President, National Stock Exchange. The ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, who termed the partnership a “critical milestone” in enabling the region’s emerging enterprises to access national capital markets.
Joint Campaign to Promote IPO-Readiness
Under this partnership, NSE — with active support from the J&K Government — will conduct a series of awareness programmes across the Union Territory. These will include seminars, MSME camps, knowledge sessions, roadshows, and workshops to educate local entrepreneurs about the process of raising capital through IPOs.
The initiative aims to help MSMEs better understand compliance requirements, listing procedures, valuation fundamentals, investor outreach, and long-term benefits of becoming a listed entity. Dedicated handholding support will also be provided to guide enterprises through the listing process on NSE Emerge.
Government Push for a Conducive Business Climate
Commenting on the development, Shri Vikramjit Singh, Secretary, Industries and Commerce, said the MoU aligns with the Government’s vision of establishing a robust economic environment in the Union Territory.
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, we are committed to nurturing a progressive ecosystem for MSMEs in J&K. This MoU with NSE will encourage our local enterprises to tap into national capital markets and raise growth capital,” he said.
He added that the collaboration will enhance the credibility and visibility of J&K-based companies, enabling them to attract global investors and scale up operations.
NSE Highlights Benefits of the Emerge Platform
Shri Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer, NSE, welcomed the agreement, stressing that NSE Emerge has already proven to be a powerful vehicle for SME capital mobilisation in India.
“NSE Emerge allows SMEs to raise capital efficiently while gaining enhanced visibility. We will work closely with the J&K Government to organise awareness sessions and guide entrepreneurs through the fundraising journey,” he said.
Krishnan urged MSMEs in the UT to leverage this opportunity and explore NSE Emerge as a sustainable financing route.
Strong Track Record of SME Listings
As of date, 690 companies from various sectors are listed on the NSE Emerge platform, having collectively raised ₹20,759 crore. The total market capitalisation of these companies currently stands at approximately ₹2,00,000 crore, reflecting the platform’s growing role in India’s MSME financing landscape.
About the National Stock Exchange
Founded in 1994, the National Stock Exchange of India was the country’s first exchange to adopt electronic, screen-based trading. Today, it remains India’s largest stock exchange by average daily turnover in equity shares. NSE operates a fully integrated business model covering listings, trading, clearing and settlement, market data services, indices, technology solutions, and investor education.
NSE is globally recognised as the world’s largest derivatives exchange by trading volume (contracts), according to the Futures Industry Association (FIA) 2024 report, and is ranked second globally in equity segment trades (electronic order book) by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE).
A Boost for J&K’s Business Landscape
The collaboration is expected to significantly boost the fundraising capabilities of enterprises across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those in manufacturing, horticulture, tourism, handicrafts, IT, and agro-processing sectors. With structured guidance and improved access to national capital markets, officials believe the partnership will help create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the UT’s economic growth trajectory.
The government has urged all MSMEs in Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in the upcoming awareness sessions and explore the NSE Emerge platform as a viable channel for raising expansion capital.
