Chandigarh — In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming Punjab into a national industrial powerhouse, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Friday launched 24 sector-wise Industrial Advisory Committees.
Calling it a “historic day” for Punjab, Kejriwal said these committees mark a shift from a government-dictated model to a stakeholder-driven policy framework, where industrialists will play a decisive role. He recalled that before 2022, political corruption and extortion drove industries away, deepening Punjab’s economic and drug-related crises.
Highlighting reforms since 2022, Kejriwal lauded the Fast Track Punjab Portal, India’s most modern single-window clearance system, offering over 150 online services. Under the Punjab Right to Business Act, investment proposals up to ₹125 crore now get in-principle approval within three days. Other reforms include color-coded stamp papers, a 45-day approval timeline, and a Deemed Approval system.
The newly launched committees — each with a chairperson, member secretary, and representation from large industries, MSMEs, and regional sectors — will study best practices from across India and abroad, ensuring 99% implementation of their decisions. They will also draft strategies for the upcoming New Industrial Policy, ensuring industry participation from the outset.
CM Mann said the initiative was born from the Sarkar-Sannatkar Milnis of September 2023 and is a “decisive turning point” for Punjab. He emphasized that Punjab is already excelling in food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycles, IT, and tourism. Since March 2022, the state has received investment proposals worth ₹1.14 lakh crore, creating over 4.5 lakh jobs.
The CM noted growing global investor interest from Japan, USA, Germany, UK, Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, and Spain. He credited this to industry-friendly policies, zero tolerance for corruption, and pro-active investor support through WhatsApp, AI chatbots, and call centers.
Addressing social issues, Mann vowed to continue Punjab’s anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh’ and maintain clean governance. “We are building a Punjab that is globally competitive, socially strong, and economically vibrant,” he said.
