Chandigarh, – In a landmark move aimed at redefining Punjab’s industrial future, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party National Convener Arvind Kejriwal today jointly unveiled 24 sector-wise Industrial Advisory Committees, describing the initiative as a decisive step to position Punjab as one of the most dynamic and competitive industrial destinations in the country. The launch, which both leaders described as the first-of-its-kind in India, is designed to put industry stakeholders at the heart of policy-making, ensuring that the growth of Punjab’s economy is guided by those directly involved in its development.
Addressing an audience of industrialists, entrepreneurs, and government officials, Arvind Kejriwal described the day as historic for Punjab, stressing that it marked a complete break from the dark and exploitative practices that plagued the state before 2022. He recalled that prior to the formation of the current government, Punjab’s industrial climate was dominated by extortion, with political leaders forcing business owners to surrender stakes in their enterprises. This, he said, had driven industries out of the state, weakening its economic base and worsening its social challenges, particularly the menace of drugs. Kejriwal asserted that since the AAP government took office under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, sweeping reforms had been implemented to revive industry and restore investor confidence.
Among the most significant of these reforms is the Fast Track Punjab Portal, which Kejriwal described as the most modern single-window clearance system in India. Offering over 150 business services, the portal has replaced cumbersome offline processes with a streamlined online mechanism. Through the Punjab Right to Business Act, the government now grants in-principle approval for investment proposals up to ₹125 crore in just three days, signalling a commitment to speed, efficiency, and ease of doing business. Kejriwal also highlighted the introduction of innovative measures such as color-coded stamp papers to prevent misuse, a legally mandated 45-day approval timeline, and a Deemed Approval system in cases where deadlines are not met.
He underlined the government’s focus on collaboration with industry through initiatives like the Sarkar-Sannatkar Milnis, or government-industry meetings, where stakeholders are given a direct say in shaping policies. In what he called a “reverse trend” from the past, Kejriwal announced that the newly formed sectoral committees will not merely advise the government but will see their decisions implemented, with the administration committed to acting on 99 percent of their recommendations. These committees will also study and adopt best practices from other states to accelerate Punjab’s industrial growth.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, in his address, described Punjab as a state on the cusp of an economic transformation. He said that Punjab is already setting examples in various sectors and is emerging as a role model for the rest of the country. The idea of creating 24 sector-specific committees, he revealed, originated from extensive consultations held with industry leaders in September 2023. These committees, he said, will be tasked with drafting detailed strategies for each industrial sector, ensuring that policies are grounded in practical realities and tailored to the unique strengths and challenges of each field.
The Chief Minister explained that each committee will include a Chairperson, a Member Secretary, officials from the Punjab Bureau of Industrial Investment and Promotion, and representatives from District Industries Centres. Importantly, the committees will be inclusive, with representation from large corporations, MSMEs, different industrial sub-sectors, and all regions of the state. This, he said, will ensure that the policies they shape are equitable and beneficial to the entire industrial ecosystem. He called on industrialists to contribute actively, sharing innovative ideas and practical solutions to create an environment where Punjab can become India’s most attractive destination for industry and exports.
Bhagwant Mann stressed that Punjab is at a decisive turning point and that with the support of these committees, the state can develop a globally competitive industrial framework. He highlighted Punjab’s existing leadership in key sectors such as food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycle manufacturing, IT, and tourism. Since March 2022, he said, the state has attracted investment proposals worth ₹1.14 lakh crore, generating more than 4.5 lakh job opportunities. Interest from countries like Japan, the USA, Germany, the UK, Dubai, South Korea, Singapore, and Spain, he added, reflects the growing global confidence in Punjab’s business environment.
The Chief Minister credited this momentum to the government’s industry-friendly policies, corruption-free governance, and proactive investor support systems, which now include real-time assistance through WhatsApp, AI-powered chatbots, and dedicated call centres. Simplification of key processes, such as extending Fire NOCs and converting leasehold properties to freehold, has further improved the ease of doing business in the state.
Looking back on the past, Mann said that under earlier regimes, entrepreneurs were subjected to harassment and exploitation, with some political leaders even benefiting personally at the expense of Punjab’s economy. He remarked that those leaders had “hands stained with the blood of Punjab,” a stark reference to both economic exploitation and the worsening drug crisis of that time. In contrast, the current administration, he assured, is a government of the people, committed to providing fair opportunities and encouraging business growth.
The Chief Minister also addressed broader social issues, emphasizing that corruption and drug abuse were the two most damaging stains on Punjab’s reputation. He said that the government’s anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh,” is already delivering results, and that the goal is to make Punjab a drug-free state. He expressed confidence that by combining industrial revival with strong social reform, Punjab would reclaim its place as one of India’s most prosperous and respected states.
The event also saw Punjab’s Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora welcoming the dignitaries, and Secretary Industries KK Yadav offering a vote of thanks. Both leaders, Mann and Kejriwal, concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming that with the creation of these committees, Punjab is not just making policy but building a new era of partnership between the government and industry — one that could set a benchmark for the entire country and beyond.
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