Chandigarh, August 8 :
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal today launched 24 sector-wise Industrial Advisory Committees, envisioning a transformative step to establish Punjab as a hub of industry and commerce.
Addressing the gathering during the launch of this first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, National Convener of AAP termed it a historic day for Punjab. He said that the era prior to 2022 was dominated by extortion, where industrialists were coerced by political leaders to give up stakes in their businesses. As a result, Arvind Kejriwal said that industries fled the state, and Punjab was pushed into a crisis, particularly with the drug menace.
Highlighting the progress since 2022, National Convener of AAP said that the government under CM Bhagwant Mann has taken revolutionary steps to revive and grow the industrial sector. He lauded the Fast Track Punjab Portal as India’s most modern single-window clearance system, offering over 150 business services and eliminating the need for offline applications. Under the Punjab Right to Business Act, Arvind Kejriwal said that investment proposals up to ₹125 crore now receive in-principle approval within just three days.
The National Convener of AAP further shared that the state government has introduced several critical reforms, including color-coding of stamp papers, a 45-day timeline for granting approvals, and a Deemed Approval system if timelines are not met. He emphasized that the government has proactively involved industrialists to shape policies through initiatives like Sarkar-Sannatkar Milnis (Government-Industry Meetings). Arvind Kejriwal announced that moving forward, the Punjab Government will act upon the decisions taken by these committees.
The National Convener of AAP said that This is a reverse trend – now, the government won’t dictate terms, but will implement the decisions taken by industrialists through these sectoral committees. He stated that these committees will also study best practices from other states and replicate them in Punjab to boost industrial growth. Arvind Kejriwal said that 99% of the decisions made by these committees will be implemented.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is already taking the lead nationally in various sectors and is quickly emerging as a role model. Recalling the government-industry interaction in September 2023, he said the idea of these 24 sector-specific committees was born out of those consultations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these committees will be responsible for drafting detailed strategies tailored to each industrial domain.
The Chief Minister noted that many industrialists present at the event are also committee members and expressed confidence that these groups will draft the roadmap for Punjab’s industrial future. He asserted that while preparing the New Industrial Policy, these committees will ensure equal partnership from industry stakeholders. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged all industrialists to actively contribute ideas and share their valuable suggestions in formulating industry-friendly policies.
The Chief Minister called on them to ensure that their recommendations reflect Punjab’s industrial strengths, realistic challenges, and financial context. He elaborated that each committee would consist of a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, and officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and District Industries Centres. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has ensured representation from large units, MSMEs, sub-sectors, and all regions to ensure inclusive decision-making.
The Chief Minister said that There are immense opportunities for growth in Punjab and we are standing at a decisive turning point. He said that With the support of these committees, the state can create a forward-looking, globally competitive industrial ecosystem. Bhagwant Singh Mann invited industrialists to move forward as equal partners in making Punjab the most preferred industrial and export hub of India.
Expressing optimism, the Chief Minister said that the state government will soon realize the dream of making Punjab vibrant and prosperous once again. Welcoming the captains of industry, he highlighted that Punjab is already leading in key sectors like food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycle manufacturing, IT, and tourism. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly shared that since March 2022, Punjab has received investment proposals worth ₹1.14 lakh crore, leading to the creation of over 4.5 lakh job opportunities.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab has become a preferred destination for global investors, with countries such as Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, and Spain showing keen interest in the state. He added that such progress has been possible due to industry-friendly policies, corruption-free governance, and a conducive investment environment. Bhagwant Singh Mann ighlighted other progressive steps like real-time investor support via WhatsApp, Chatbot AI, and call centers, and simplification of processes like Fire NOC extensions and Leasehold-to-Freehold conversions.
The Chief Minister asserted that the government believes in walking shoulder-to-shoulder with industry and hence has brought investors and key stakeholders into the policy-making fold. Reflecting on the dark past, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that under previous regimes, entrepreneurs were pressured and exploited. “Those leaders looted the people and their hands were stained with the blood of Punjab,” he said.
But today, the Chief Minister said that state has a government of the common people, providing equal opportunities for all. He reiterated that the current administration is not harassing industrialists but is actively promoting and facilitating industry. “These committees will now act as a catalyst in our efforts,” he said, asserting that Punjab is fast emerging as a frontrunner in industrial development.
The Chief Minister also addressed social issues, stating that corruption and drugs were the biggest stains on Punjab’s identity. However, he said that the state government is vigorously working to eliminate both. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh’ has already started showing positive results, and Punjab is on its way to becoming drug-free. He concluded by stating that Punjab will continue to lead in every sector and that Punjabis will shine globally.
Earlier, Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora welcomed the dignitaries, and Secretary Industries KK Yadav delivered the vote of thanks.
