Khanna (Ludhiana), April 7
Industries & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Local Government and Power Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday held face to face conversation with industrialists of Khanna, Fatehgarh Sahib, Mandi Gobindgarh, Doraha, Payal and surrounding areas participated in the event. He listened to the difficulties being faced by industrialists and instructed the officials to resolve the issues.
Addressing the event, Arora stated that in 2025-26, Punjab has witnessed the highest-ever investment in its history, which is expected to generate employment for around 35,000 people. He further informed that the new Industrial Policy 2026 has been made very progressive, and it is being lauded by other states as well. He expressed confidence that the investment target of Rs 75,000 crore set for 2026-27 will not only be achieved but it will be exceeded. He mentioned that the new policy has not ignored any sector and around 20 types of incentives have been provided.
While discussing pollution and fuel policy, Arora said that this matter is not only related to the Industries department but is also linked with the NGT and the Supreme Court. He added that the government is supporting the industries, but it is equally important to maintain environmental balance. He also said that Punjab is a power surplus state and full supply is being given to the industries. He also appealed to the industrialists to set up maximum solar projects and informed that they are now allowed to install solar projects up to 25 per cent more than their load. He further said that Power Corporation will carry out new recruitment very soon and 5000-6000 new employees will be recruited, including JE, Lineman, Assistant Lineman, etc.
During the interaction meet, several problems of the industrialists were resolved on the spot. The biggest issue raised was the incomplete gas pipeline project in Mandi Gobindgarh. Minister immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner Fatehgarh Sahib, Dr. Sona Thind, to hold a meeting with the concerned company without delay to complete the project and ensure gas supply to every industrial unit. On the demand for permission to use coal, he assured that the Punjab government will provide full support to the extent of its powers. The case will be taken up with the NGT and every effort will be made to resolve the issue.
Industrialists also demanded that the district industries office should be linked with Mandi Gobindgarh instead of Ludhiana like the Pollution Control Board, he immediately accepted this demand and instructed the concerned officials to take appropriate steps. On the shortage of doctors and other staff in ESI hospitals, he assured that the Punjab government will get the concerned staff posted soon, and issues related to the Central Government will be taken up with the Centre in writing. To overcome the shortage of LPG gas for labour, the concerned Deputy Commissioner was instructed to make 5 kg cylinders available.
While speaking to the media, the Minister said that Punjab has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for investors. He mentioned that major industrial groups like JSW Group and Mittal Group have announced investments of Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 2,600 crore respectively. He announced that the Punjab government is going to implement a new Industrial Park policy within a month, under which large industrial parks spread over at least 25 acres will be developed in the state. He said that industrialists and real estate developers will jointly participate in the development of these parks, while investors will register for these projects and get all necessary approvals. Describing this policy as a revolutionary step, he said that industries shifting to these new parks will get big incentives. Existing industries adopting Zero Liquid Discharge norms will be eligible for incentives up to Rs 10 crore, while new industries will get 100 per cent incentives. Similarly, industries setting up boilers using paddy straw will get incentives up to Rs 7.5 crore.
