This study examines the growth performance and employment responsiveness of small-scale industries in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir over the period 2005-06 to 2020-21. Using secondary data, the study employs growth analysis and employment elasticity to evaluate the relationship between industrial expansion and employment generation. The findings indicate a steady increase in the number of small-scale industrial units, reflecting stable industrial growth, while employment growth remains comparatively slower and uneven, suggesting that industrial expansion has not translated proportionately into job creation. The estimated employment elasticity remains close to unity during the normal period, reflecting a balanced relationship between growth and employment. Nevertheless, significant fluctuations observed in recent years indicate the presence of structural disruptions affecting employment generation. The study concludes that while the small-scale industrial sector has contributed to industrial development in the district, its employment-generating capacity remains moderate and requires policy support for improvement.