CM MANN, KEJRIWAL LAUNCH 24 SECTOR-WISE COMMITTEES TO DRIVE PUNJAB’S INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
-“PRE-2022 ERA WAS MARKED BY EXTORTION, FORCING INDUSTRIES TO FLEE,” SAYS KEJRIWAL
-99% OF COMMITTEE DECISIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED TO MAKE PUNJAB TOP INDUSTRIAL HUB
-PUNJAB TO REMAIN A NATIONAL ROLE MODEL: CM
-STATE EMERGING AS A LEADER IN INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
Chandigarh, August 8,
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal launched 24 sector-specific Industrial Advisory Committees on Thursday, marking a transformative step to position Punjab as a leading hub for industry and commerce.
Speaking at the launch of this pioneering initiative, Kejriwal called it a historic moment for Punjab. He noted that before 2022, industrialists faced extortion, with political leaders pressuring them to surrender business stakes, driving industries out of the state and exacerbating issues like the drug crisis.
Kejriwal highlighted the transformative reforms under CM Mann since 2022, including the Fast Track Punjab Portal, India’s most advanced single-window clearance system, offering over 150 business services online. Under the Punjab Right to Business Act, investment proposals up to ₹125 crore now receive in-principle approval within three days. Other reforms include color-coded stamp papers, a 45-day approval timeline, and a Deemed Approval system for delays. Kejriwal emphasized the government’s collaboration with industrialists through Sarkar-Sannatkar Milnis (Government-Industry Meetings), stating that 99% of the committees’ decisions will be implemented to align policies with industry needs. These committees will also adopt best practices from other states to boost Punjab’s industrial growth.
CM Mann underscored Punjab’s leadership in various sectors, positioning it as a national role model. Reflecting on the September 2023 government-industry interaction, he said the concept of 24 sector-specific committees emerged from those discussions. These committees, comprising industrialists, a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, and officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and District Industries Centres, will draft tailored strategies for each sector, ensuring inclusive representation from large units, MSMEs, sub-sectors, and all regions.
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Mann urged industrialists to contribute ideas to shape industry-friendly policies that reflect Punjab’s strengths, challenges, and financial context. He described Punjab as standing at a pivotal moment, with these committees poised to create a globally competitive industrial ecosystem, making the state India’s top industrial and export hub.
The Chief Minister highlighted Punjab’s appeal to global investors from countries like Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, and Spain, driven by industry-friendly policies, corruption-free governance, and a conducive investment environment. Since March 2022, Punjab has attracted investment proposals worth ₹1.14 lakh crore, generating over 4.5 lakh jobs. Progressive measures include real-time investor support via WhatsApp, Chatbot AI, call centers, simplified Fire NOC extensions, and Leasehold-to-Freehold conversions.
Mann contrasted the current administration with past regimes, accusing previous leaders of exploiting entrepreneurs. “Those leaders looted Punjab, their hands stained with its blood,” he said. Today, the government of the common people promotes equal opportunities and actively supports industry. The committees will serve as catalysts for industrial growth, positioning Punjab as a frontrunner in development.
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Addressing social challenges, Mann noted that corruption and drugs once tarnished Punjab’s identity, but the government’s anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, is yielding positive results, steering the state toward a drug-free future. He affirmed that Punjab will continue to lead across sectors, with Punjabis shining globally.
Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora welcomed the dignitaries, and Secretary Industries KK Yadav delivered the vote of thanks.
